Seeds come into play on Day 3 of the women’s singles main draw action at the 2023 WTA Mutua Madrid Open. Some of them are already facing some tough opposition and could possibly end up being in trouble. Who do you think will advance to the next round of the tournament?
WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
15-year-old Mirra Andreeva looks like an incredible talent. The Russian finished runner-up at this year’s Australian Open juniors and is currently 14-0 in the pros in 2023, including back-to-back ITF 60K titles and a big win over Leylah Fernandez in the opening round here. Compared to most other breakouts at her age, she actually has a legit pro-ready game. A weaker performance must come at some point, but we’ve arrived at a stage where no one would be shocked if she took out Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Liudmila Samsonova vs Maryna Zanevska
Head-to-head: First meeting
Maryna Zanevska gave Sofia Kenin just three games in the opening round and she’ll be hoping to carry that momentum to her next match. Liudmila Samsonova is a step up though and she should be particularly dangerous in the quicker clay conditions in Madrid. While the Russian hasn’t done that well in her last few events, these courts should give her a good opportunity to get back to her best, especially if the flat forehand will be firing (and you know her serve will).
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Elise Mertens vs Rebecca Marino
Head-to-head: First meeting
Elise Mertens picked herself up after a weaker 2022 campaign and is back to posting very solid results. You’d expect just that from her again, especially as the Belgian is one of the most consistent players on the tour. She finds it hard to perform above expectations, but also never goes below a certain level. Will this be routine? It doesn’t have to be, as it feels like the conditions in Madrid give Rebecca Marino a fighting chance.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Putintseva 3-0
Yulia Putintseva somewhat surprisingly has a substantial lead in this head-to-head, but all three matches came at least eight years ago, so they aren’t really relevant anymore. As we stand in 2023, Caroline Garcia is still putting in some great results, despite not reaching the heights that her second half of 2022 propelled her to. However, on the fast clay in Madrid, she should be able to overwhelm Putintseva, who’d rather take this one in much heavier conditions where she’d be able to make her play the extra ball way more effectively.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
