The remaining WTA Madrid round-of-32 matches will be completed on day six. A number of leading lights are set to take to the court, and always, we here at LWOT predict all the action in our articles, including Elena Rybakina vs Elina Svitolina, but which players do you think will reach the round of 16?
WTA Madrid Day 6 Predictions
Daria Kasatkina vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Kasatkina 3-2 Alexandrova
These two have never met on clay, but Daria Kasatkina won all their previous outdoor meetings. Alexandrova’s two wins came on indoor hard courts. Two factors should give Ekaterina Alexandrova hope of beating Kasatkina in an outdoor setting for the first time. Firstly, she has started her clay court season impressively with semifinals in Charleston and Stuttgart. Secondly, the quicker clay in Madrid might suit her more in this matchup. It could go either way, but Alexandrova is narrowly favored to triumph.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Sofia Kenin vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Kenin 1-0 Potapova
Anastasia Potapova frustrated Zheng Qinwen in the last round, and the Olympic gold medalist made several unforced errors. Kenin will also be the aggressor against Potapova, a role she repeatedly struggled in last year. However, the 2020 Australian Open champion is performing much better this season and has found a much more suitable balance in her game against defensive players. The American is favoured to win a match that will likely feature many lengthy rallies.
Prediction: Kenin in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Moyuka Uchijima
Head-to-head: first meeting
Moyuka Uchijima fought back admirably from a set down against Robin Montgomery and Ons Jabeur in the opening two rounds. Although the Japanese player showed her mental strength, she will almost certainly need to be even better against Pegula. The world #3 has been in excellent form this season and hammered Eva Lys in her first match in Madrid. Moyuka Uchijima does not possess enough firepower to hurt Pegula if she plays near her best.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-head: Sabalenka 9-2 Mertens
Aryna Sabalenka has won eight consecutive matches against Elise Mertens, with the last seven victories coming in straight sets. Mertens is a solid all-around player with a very good backhand. Unfortunately for the Belgian, she does not have enough power to unsettle Sabalenka, and her defense is also slightly below the level required to frustrate the world No. 1. Mertens beating Sabalenka at the Belarusian’s favorite clay-court event would be one of the biggest upsets of the season.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
