With Day 1 complete, it’s time to look ahead to the second day of action at the WTA 1000 in Madrid. There is an all-American match between Caty McNally and Katie Volynets, while Ajla Tomljanovic also returns to Madrid looking to get a clay court win on the board. How will the rest pan out, though? At Last Word on Tennis, we answer just that.
WTA Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Panna Udvardy vs Kimberly Birrell
Head to Head: First Meeting
Udvardy hardly got the ideal preparation, losing to #262 Tyra Caterina Grant 0-6 6-3 6-2 in qualifying. So, it doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence for her prospects against Birell. Yet, just one week ago, the lucky loser put together a career-best run to the Bogota final, where she lost to Ana Bogdan. The question is, what version turns up? Well, you have to go with the most recent version in the Madrid conditions. It’s for that reason that a player in Kimberly Birell, who has yet to play a competitive clay court match this season, will progress.
Prediction: Birrell in 3
Caty McNally vs Katie Volynets
Head to Head: 5-0
Despite relatively similar careers, the McNally vs Volynets matchup highlights the strange phenomenon of tennis match-ups. Mcnally has won all five previous meetings, including one last week in Rouen, 1-6 6-1 6-1. In her other four victories, she has won two more 6-1 sets and two bagels, while losing two sets overall. Especially due to the dominance she showed after a shaky start last week, you would expect this run to continue.
Prediction: McNally in 3
Janice Tjen vs Alina Chareava
Head to Head: First Meeting
Janice Tjen may be somewhat relieved to have avoided Maria Sakkari in the first round after the initial draw was announced. Against Alina Cahareava, it becomes an easier task. However, this will still be a difficult battle. After all, the Russian came through qualifying, beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets and will make a good account of herself.
Prediction: Tjen in 3
Dalma Galfi vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Head to Head:1-0
It’s never quite happened for Tomljanovic despite seemingly having all the resources to be a much better player. Her ball striking is pure, her serving is good, as is her movement. Admittedly, injuries have played a big part. She has played just one clay court match this season, which she lost in a Charleston first-round match against Dona Vekic. Galfi, in contrast, will be heading into this match with confidence after breezing through qualifying without losing a set. Moreover, she will take great comfort in the fact that the last time these two met, she lost just three games. Nevertheless, this will be a tight affair, but the 27-year-old should be the one on the winning side.
Prediction: Galfi in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
