Day 5 at the WTA 1000 event in Madrid will see eight matches from the top half of the draw, with the world #1 Iga Swiatek leading a star-studded field. It is sure to be a day full of exciting action and very closely contested matches at the Caja Majica. We predict them all, split between this and a separate article.
WTA Madrid Day 5 Predictions
Victoria Azarenka vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head: first meeting
Azarenka is a former two time finalist at this tournament, but that was all the way back in 2011 and 2012. 12 years later she is still playing at a very high level, but Sorribes Tormo playing at home and on clay is sure to be a tough nut to crack. Still, Azarenka clearly remains the better player of the two and should be able to pull through here.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Emma Navarro
Head-to-head: Navarro 1-0 Haddad Maria
This should be a very close matches between two players of a very similar level and who are very comfortable on clay. Both played at a very good level in their opening round and are looking to make a deep run. It could well turn out to be a long match, with perhaps Navarro having a very slight edge.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-head: Sakkari 1-0 Stephens
Sakkari had an excelent North American swing and is coming into Madrid confident and playing well. She is a consistent player on all surfaces, but is still looking for her first big title. Meanwhile, Stephens will also be very confident after winning Rouen and her first two matches here in Madrid. It is likely to be a very close match, but Sakkari should be able to pull through.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head: Swiatek 3-0 Cirstea
This is theoretically the most one-sided match of the day. Swiatek is the player to beat in general, but on clay that is even more so the case. She’s a dominant force on this surface, but she is actually yet to win a title in Madrid. She’s the favorite to do so, however, and is unlikely to struggle in these early rounds.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
