Coco Gauff could become the world No. 2 at the end of the WTA Madrid Open if results go her way. Her first match at the tournament against Arantxa Rus is one of several taking place on a very busy day of WTA action in Spain. As always, we at LWOT predict all the matches taking place on day 3 in Madrid, including Ons Jabeur vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions
Victoria Azarenka vs Tatjana Maria
Head-to-head: Azarenka 1-0 Maria
Azarenka has been playing very well lately, narrowly losing in the quarterfinal to Jessica Pegula at her last tournament in Charleston. But Maria’s style is not one Azarenka enjoys playing against, with the Belarusian thriving most when she gets a consistent pace from her opponents. Maria’s slices and heavy spins could cause her some trouble, especially on clay, which is Azarenka’s least favourite surface. Overall, Azarenka’s overall class should still have enough to overcome that challenge, but it could be a tight contest.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Sara Errani
Head-to-head: Errani 3-1 Haddad Maia
36-year-old Errani, who has not reached a WTA final since 2016, has enjoyed a slight resurgence in the last few weeks. That continued with her dramatic opening round win against Caroline Wozniacki in Madrid. Nonetheless, the Italian is unlikely to topple Haddad Maia. Their last meeting was in 2018, when the Brazilian was not at the level she is now. Haddad Maia can match Errani’s trademark grit and determination, but she also has more firepower to seize the initiative in the rallies to prevail.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Maria Sakkari vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Vekic 6-3 Sakkari
Vekic was outstanding in her 6-1 6-2 demolition of Laura Siegemund in the opening round. This meeting with Sakkari is their first on clay. The Greek player has thrived in the early stages of her partnership with Jessica Pegula’s former coach David Witt. Sakkari is the superior athlete, meaning Vekic will need to use her power, as she did against Siegemund. The 2021 French Open semifinalist’s improved mentality since Witt joined might make the difference here. If Vekic hits a purple patch during the match, Sakkari is not as likely to panic compared to 12 months ago.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Coco Gauff vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: First meeting
Gauff’s opening few months to the season have been patchy, including some shock defeats. Rus plays her best tennis on clay and will make the American work hard to win. Nonetheless, this is a good matchup for the US Open champion. On clay, Rus uses heavy spin with her left-handed cross-court forehand, usually with great success. But that tactic is unlikely to be successful against Gauff, who possesses the best backhand in women’s tennis. The 20-year-old should then be able to hit her way through Rus, despite the Dutchwoman being a very good mover on clay.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
