Ons Jabeur’s quest for form continues on the Day 3 of WTA action at the Madrid Open. Her match is one of several exciting matches on day 3 in Madrid. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the contests taking place. But which players do you think will win?
WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: First meeting
There will be many long rallies in this one between two excellent athletes. Svitolina possesses greater firepower, with her forehand becoming a bigger weapon since she came back from maternity leave. The faster clay-courts in Madrid may suit her slightly more for this reason. Sorribes Tormo will have home support in Madrid, but she does not have a good record at the tournament. The Ukrainian’s more complete game makes her the favorite in Spain.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Jelena Ostapenko vs Jelena Bouzas Maneiro
Head-to-head: First meeting
21-year-old Bouzas Maneiro’s win against illustrious compatriot Paula Badosa was not a major surprise. She has been rising quickly, playing particularly well on clay. Ostapenko was very poor in her opening match of the season on clay last week in Stuttgart. The Latvian needs to implement her powerful game extremely well against Bouzas Maneiro, who is a superb athlete. Ostapenko’s level often fluctuates, but she did have an outstanding start to the season before her blip in Stuttgart. Two poor matches is probably unlikely.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Fernandez 2-0 Potapova
Aside from one good run to the quarterfinal in Doha, Fernandez has not started this season as she would have hoped after an excellent end to 2023. Potapova’s form has been similarly patchy and both will view this as a good opportunity to get a valuable win. Fernandez’s game is slightly more complete, but Potapova possesses more power. Expect a tight battle between these two, but Fernandez’s athleticism and heavy spin from her forehand might make the difference.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova
Head-to-head: Jabeur 1-0 Schmiedlova
There were some positives for Jabeur last week in Stuttgart. She showed resilience to beat Ekaterina Alexandrova, before losing two close sets to Jasmine Paolini, who is a very good clay-court player. However, the reality is she is still far below her vintage best. Schmiedlova is a fighter, but she does not possess any major weapons. Jabeur’s natural ability and more complete game should get her through this match, but it is hard to predict anything with complete certainty when it comes to the Tunisian right now.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
