All four quarterfinal matches are set in a loaded WTA Madrid draw, with two of the matches scheduled to be played Tuesday. First, #2 seed Aryna Sabalenka takes on surprise quarterfinalist Mayar Sherif, who is competing at this stage for the first time in her career. Maria Sakkari continues her quest for a first career WTA 1000 title on a surface she is comfortable on against veteran Irina-Camelia Begu. These matchups will both showcase a lot of power in what will be intriguing, physical tennis to watch on clay courts. Both matches are previewed below, with Wednesday’s two matches coming soon.
WTA Madrid Quarterfinal Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Head-to-head: 2-1 Sakkari
While Begu is seeded, she was fairly unexpected to reach this stage with a tough draw. She has gotten through it with no problems, winning all three of her matches against strong players in straight sets. Sakkari has lost just one set and pulled off a strong win over Paula Badosa, a good clay court player who had the Spanish crowd behind her. Sakkari has been inconsistent this year but is always dangerous. Begu had a slow start to the year but played well in Charleston and has looked great here in Madrid. She will be happy to be back on clay, the surface where she won two titles on last year. Sakkari has a slight edge in overall form but Begu has cruised through her draw so far.
While Begu is more of a clay court specialist, Sakkari excels on all surfaces and no one stands out. Her movement and power from the baseline makes her dangerous on any surface and her physicality on clay makes up for the slow bounces neutralizing some of her power. Begu relies on a big serve, though she has been vulnerable and has been broken five times in her three matches. Sakkari will have to jump on her opponents serve to win the match, which she should be able to do as one of the top returners on tour. Sakkari seems to struggle at the semifinal and final stages, but is tough to beat earlier and has not spent too much time on court so will have an advantage with fresh legs. This one will be close but Sakkari will pull it out in the end.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Mayar Sherif
Head-to-head: first meeting
Sabalenka comes in on an incredible run of form highlighted by her Australian Open victory. She also reached the final in Indian Wells and has a remarkable 23-4 record on the year. While most of her success has come on hard court, she is just as dangerous on clay and won the title in Madrid in 2021. She played well on clay in Stuttgart in her lone event on the surface in 2023, making a strong run to the final before losing to Iga Swiatek. Sherif has had a surprise run to the quarters, making history as the first Egyptian player to reach the stage at a WTA 1000 event. She came into Madrid on a four match losing streak but is playing excellent tennis. She has knocked out three seeds including world #5 Caroline Garcia.
Sherif is similar to Sabalenka as a tall player with a strong serve, though not quite the power the Sabalenka possesses. Her best results have come on clay, and her comfort on the surface should give some confidence to pull off the upset. However, Sabalenka usually plays well against power players and defensive-minded players that force her into errors are usually those she struggles with. Sherif will have to try to match Sabalenka’s power which is a tall task for anyone on tour. Sherif has had a great run, but Sabalenka looks unbeatable and the matchup is in her favor.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
