The WTA Mutua Madrid Open marks the first WTA 1000 event on clay this season, bringing together a strong field of contenders. Madrid’s high altitude and faster clay add an extra layer of intrigue, often favoring aggressive players. This year, three-time champion Petra Kvitova returns to face American Katie Volynets in a standout first-round match. We also break down other compelling openers, including Peyton Stearns vs Kimberly Birrell and Lulu Sun vs Varvara Gracheva.
WTA Madrid Day 1 Predictions
Varvara Gracheva vs Lulu Sun
Head-to-Head: Gracheva 1-0 Sun
Varvara Gracheva holds a 1-0 head-to-head lead over Lulu Sun, having beaten her earlier this year on hard courts in Auckland. While Gracheva has had a mixed 2025 season, she’s shown more consistency on clay than Sun, picking up a win in Rouen before falling to Bouzas Maneiro. Sun, meanwhile, is just 3-10 on the year and hasn’t found much rhythm, despite an early-season win over Caroline Garcia. This will be their first meeting on clay, which could level the playing field slightly. Still, Gracheva’s greater comfort on the surface gives her the edge heading into this matchup.
Prediction: Gracheva in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Peyton Stearns and Kimberly Birrell will meet for the first time in Madrid, with both players looking to build momentum on clay. Stearns hasn’t had the strongest start to the season, but her upset win over Ons Jabeur in Dubai showed her potential to rise to the occasion. Clay isn’t her strongest surface, though, and she comes into this match with limited success on it in 2025. Birrell, on the other hand, has been more active on clay recently and pushed Elena Rybakina in Billie Jean King Cup action. Still, Stearns’ higher ceiling and experience at WTA-level events could be the deciding factor. Expect a closely contested match with Birrell slightly favored to take the win.
Prediction: Birrell in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
