All eight WTA Madrid Round of 16 contests are scheduled on what promises to be a thrilling seventh day in the Spanish capital. Coco Gauff and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s matches are among those predicted in this article. We at LWOT predict the rest of the action in a separate article, including Mirra Andreeva vs Yuliia Starodubtseva.
WTA Madrid Day 7 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shnaider could not have played much better in her opening two matches. She only dropped three games across four sets against Katie Volynets and Anastasija Sevastova. Beating Swiatek on a clay court, even though she does not like the conditions in Madrid as much as in Rome or Paris, is always one of the hardest challenges in tennis. However, the confidence Swiatek must have taken from an excellent performance against Linda Noskova makes it even tougher. Shnaider will have her moments, but probably not enough to upset the four-time French Open champion.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Madison Keys vs Donna Vekic
Head-to-head: Keys 3-1 Vekic
Keys won a thrilling battle against Vekic at last month’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The American would have been a clear favorite on clay 12 months ago until Vekic’s rapid improvements on the surface, culminating in winning a silver medal at Roland Garros. Her win in the last round against Emma Navarro also demonstrated her development. While I still favor last year’s semifinalist Keys’ game slightly more than Vekic’s in Madrid, this battle of the powerful hitters could go either way.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 1-0 Stearns
Sabalenka and Stearns’ sole previous meeting at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open was among the most dramatic matches of the season. The three-time Grand Slam winner saved four match points to triumph in a deciding set tiebreak. Stearns likes competing on clay and can test her illustrious opponent again. However, the two-time Madrid Open champion plays her best clay-court tennis at the venue and will probably overwhelm Stearns more easily this time.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic
Head-to-head: Gauff 2-2 Bencic
These two have already played twice this season. Gauff recovered from losing the first set at the Australian Open before Bencic got her revenge by also coming from a set down at the BNP Paribas Open. Bencic’s superb comeback to the sport means she should not be underestimated in any conditions. At the same time, playing on clay should suit Gauff more. It has been Bencic’s weakest surface during her career, and gives Gauff the best chance of avoiding another forehand breakdown that cost her dearly in Indian Wells.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
