Some cracking matches are to be played here on Tuesday the Mutua Madrid Open. Players such as Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, and Naomi Osaka are all vying for a place in the third round at Madrid. Here are my previews and predictions for Day 4.
Mutua Madrid Open Day 4 Predictions
Naomi Osaka vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Head-to-head record: Osaka leads 2-1
Sorribes Tormo will no doubt be nervous playing in front of her home crowd, on a big court, and against the current world’s best tennis player. This will be a learning experience for the young Spanish player, and no doubt will have to play the match of her life if she wants to beat Osaka here.
On paper, Osaka should get through this match rather comfortably, and secure her place in the next round.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Angelique Kerber vs Petra Martic
Head-to-head record: Martic leads 2-1
Martic is the surprise opponent here, as she put up an impressive performance against Garbine Muguruza and beat her in straight sets in the last round.
Even though Martic leads their overall head-to-head record, their last meeting was way back in 2012, so it should not be taken too seriously into account. Martic will need to replicate the same level she played against Muguruza–and then some–to have any chance of beating Kerber, who is playing well.
The German should win but could possibly be pushed into the decisive third set.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Sorana Cirstea
Head-to-head record: Garcia leads 1-0
Not the most eye-catching fixture of the lot, but it is interesting in many ways. Sorana Cirstea, a former quarterfinalist at Roland Garros, has been under the radar for quite a while due to injury. Caroline Garcia, the former world No.4, has recently dropped out of the top 10 and has had a mediocre 2019. It will be interesting to see if both players can use each other’s struggle in form to reach the next round.
Garcia is the favourite coming into the match and should win this, but there is a slight potential of upset.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Simona Halep vs Johanna Konta
Head-to-head record: Konta leads 3-1
Konta has struggled with form in the past year and has only just recently seemed to find some consistency, as she reached the final in Rabat last week.
The same argument could be said of Halep as well, as she has performed below par in 2019. She has yet to reach the final at any tournament and has had some surprise losses throughout the year.
Konta leads their head-to-head 3-1, but this is their first meeting on clay. Halep is a far better player on clay than Konta is, so the Romanian should win this match.
Prediction: Halep in 2
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