It’s now the third round of the WTA 1000 in Madrid, which means we’re going to have the first pairs of seeds clashing. Defending champion Iga Swiatek was in trouble against Alexandra Eala, but managed to figure things out. She’s taking on a familiar foe in Linda Noskova now; who do you think will advance?
WTA Madrid Day 5 Predictions
Diana Shnaider vs Anastasija Sevastova
Head-to-head: First meeting
Anastasija Sevastova hasn’t played more than ten matches in a season since 2021, and while this time she only returned to the courts last week, she still took that huge win over Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. Was it mostly the case of her Latvian compatriot overhitting everything like she often does? Pretty much, and Diana Shnaider still has to be the favorite against the veteran here. The 21-year-old could use a run, her season has been very mediocre thus far.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Madison Keys vs Anna Kalinskaya
Head-to-head: 1-1
Anna Kalinskaya just recently defeated Madison Keys in Charleston. While the Russian is still capable of reaching a high level, she doesn’t feel like as much of a threat this year compared to her brilliant 2024 campaign (a lot of that is just health issues). It’s tough to predict the exact impact on this matchup that the difference in conditions between green clay in Charleston and this natural surface at altitude will have. This seems like a form of the day rivalry, so there’s not much stopping Keys from potentially firing back.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: Swiatek 5-1
Don’t let the 5-1 head-to-head record fool you, so many of these Iga Swiatek wins have been really tough. Including the three most recent encounters in Miami and at the Billie Jean King Cup last year, or this February in Doha. Linda Noskova might be a streaky player, but she always comes fired up when she’s facing Swiatek. The Pole will need to play smart and not panic, two things she’s been struggling with recently. She’ll probably survive but in these quicker clay conditions, Noskova should have her glorious patches of power-hitting.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Coco Gauff vs Ann Li
Head-to-head: Gauff 2-0
Coco Gauff is not playing her best right now, which comes as a bit of a shock considering how she started the year with basically nine flawless matches in a row. But that’s why getting through that opening round against Dayana Yastremska must have felt massive for her, especially considering she got bageled in the opening set. It’s not like the American will suddenly turn into a beast again (although that time will come, no doubt), but Ann Li doesn’t have much to threaten her with.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
