The two remaining WTA Madrid quarterfinals are played on Wednesday. Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will take on Mirra Andreeva and Yulia Putintseva, respectively, who are both vying to reach their maiden WTA 1000 level semifinal. As always, we at LWOT have a preview and predictions for all the matches at the Mutua Madrid Open. But who do you think will progress?
WTA Madrid Quarterfinal Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-Head: Putintseva 2-0 Rybakina
There could not be a clearer contrast in styles in this contest. Rybakina possesses the biggest serve and one of the most powerful games in tennis, while Putintseva, who is one of the shortest players on the WTA Tour, relies on her athleticism and craftiness. Putinseva’s lack of power has not stopped her from playing superbly at WTA Madrid thus far. This included outlasting and wearing down Daria Kasatkina, which is something very few players are able to do.
The older of these two Kazakhstanis will also take heart from her two previous wins against Rybakina, although these were both back in 2021. Despite her opponent’s significant improvements since then, an upset is certainly possible here. Putintseva is one of the best returners in the game, which is crucial against the 2022 Wimbledon champion. She also possesses one of the best drop shots, which is a great weapon against Rybakina, whose movement is her only weakness.
Rybakina is looking to extend an amazing 15 clay victories in a row, dating back to last season. Overall, she is the slight favourite to make it 16 triumphs in a row. Her recent form has been superb, and the slightly quicker clay in Madrid will help her hit through Putintseva. However, do not be surprised if there is an upset, with Putintseva’s craftiness an awkward matchup for Rybakina.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-Head: Sabalenka 1-0 Andreeva
Sabalenka has battled through three deciding set battles to reach this stage. The most recent of these against Danielle Collins was the most impressive. She recovered from a set down to end the American’s 15-match winning streak. Sabalenka easily defeated Andreeva in Madrid last year, but the 17-year-old is very likely to play much better on this occasion. The teenage star has come through a really difficult draw to make the quarterfinals, beating Linda Noskova, Marketa Vondrousova, and Jasmine Paolini.
Andreeva has a realistic chance of making her first WTA 1000 semifinal. The World No. 2 has been inconsistent for periods of all her previous matches so far at WTA Madrid. She cannot afford to do this against Andreeva, whose rock-solid clay-court tennis is capable of seizing on any lapses. Sabalenka’s return will be more important in this matchup than their meeting last year. Andreeva’s serve has improved hugely in the last 12 months, meaning the Australian Open champion’s return game needs to be as strong as the third set against Collins.
Although Andreeva does have the game to potentially cause an upset, it is still hard to go against Sabalenka. Her experience in occasions like this will be an important difference. In addition, she is capable of hitting powerfully off both wings in big moments. Andreeva’s backhand is one of the best in women’s tennis, but her forehand can sometimes leak errors on important points. Sabalenka is backed to play the tight moments better and prevail in two close sets.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
