4. Magdalena Frech vs Katerina Siniakova
Few players take part in as many back-and-forth, exciting matches as Katerina Siniakova. She had an excellent run last month in Indian Wells, including a massive first-round comeback. Siniakova has the tools to beat just about anyone, but she can also play a close match against anyone on Tour. Magdalena Frech hasn’t won many matches lately, but in February she had a solid run to the final of Merida and she’s still a Top 50 player. This matchup feels primed to be long and chaotic, especially on the slower surface of Madrid. Whoever pulls through is set to play a second-round match against 17th seed Clara Tauson.
5. Ashlyn Krueger vs Sofia Kenin
Neither Ashlyn Krueger nor Sofia Kenin is at their best right now, with both players far from their career highs—but that can make for a compelling match. Both players are fighting to find their best form, and a win over the other could be a massive confidence boost. Kenin has more experience on clay but doesn’t really have the results to back that up, while Krueger is still finding her footing. In a match likely to be dominated by return, it’s hard to say who will come out on top. The winner will take on 32nd seed Qinwen Zheng–another player looking to rediscover her best tennis.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
