The rest of the WTA Round of 64 action is completed on Day 4 of the Madrid Open. This includes Danielle Collins’ attempt to win a staggering 14th match in a row. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the matches, split between three other articles. One features Barbora Krejcikova vs Jaqueline Cristian, the second highlights Aryna Sabalenka vs Magda Linette, and the third features Mirra Andreeva vs Linda Noskova. Which players do you think will win in Madrid?
WTA Madrid Day 4 Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Lucia Bronzetti
Head-to-head: First meeting
Rybakina will be full of confidence after her run to the title in Stuttgart last week. She faces a strong clay-court player in Bronzetti, who produces her best tennis when she is aggressive. That should lead to much powerful hitting in this one, but the Italian is unlikely to topple the 2022 Wimbledon champion. Her consistency has been outstanding this season and her imposing game on the quicker clay in Madrid will overwhelm Bronzetti.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva
Head-to-head: First meeting
18-year-old wild card Jimenez Kasintseva created headlines with her win over Zhu Lin in the previous round. It was undoubtedly an upset, but the Andorran did have a realistic chance against Zhu, who is not comfortable on clay. The task is much greater against this year’s Dubai champion Paolini. She is one of the most improved players in the world in the last 12 months and she mixes her excellent movement with her big forehand superbly on clay. This is very likely to be too stiff a challenge for Jimenez Kasintseva.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Marketa Vondrousova vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: Rogers 1-0 Vondrousova
Rogers’ level is steadily improving after a significant period out with injury last year. This contest will test if she is fully ready for repeated long rallies. Vondrousova’s movement and craftiness is tough to hit past on any surface, but this is especially true on clay. The slightly quicker conditions in Madrid will help Rogers a little, but it probably will not not be enough. Vondrousova’s varied game is superior to Rogers’ on clay, with the Czech’s excellent drop shot a particularly useful weapon against the American.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Danielle Collins vs Olga Danilovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Danilovic plays her best tennis by far on clay and she fought through admirably in three sets against Clara Burel in the last round. Nonetheless, there is no chance of her stopping Collins if the American finds any of her form from Miami and Charleston. Danilovic will hope that Collins’ purple patch has ended and that her first match of the season on red clay brings her some trouble. However, Collins showed in Charleston that her powerful game is suited to slightly quicker clay-courts. The conditions in Madrid are not identical, but they are similar enough for the 30-year-old to adjust pretty quickly.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
