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WTA Madrid Day 3 brings the seeds into play. In this article we will look at four of the matches on the card and give our thoughts on who will go through. Seeds are never guaranteed an easy ride and WTA Madrid Day 3 could throw in a surprise or two.

WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions

Maria Lourdes Carle vs Veronika Kudermetova

Head to Head: First Meeting

Maria Lourdes Carle eased into the second round here. A dominant display against 2021 US Open Champion Emma Raducanu in the first round. The qualifier hasn’t yet dropped a set. The Argentine came into Madrid off the back of a win in Spain in the WTA 125 event. Veronika Kudermetova made the quarterfinal in Charleston but then lost in the second round in Stuttgart.
Prediction: Carle in 3

Alexandra Eala vs Sorana Cirstea

Head to Head: First Meeting

Alexandra Eala battled through to the second round, having to go the distance. The Filipina has had early losses in the events prior to this. Although Eala did win a doubles title last month in an ITF event. Sorana Cirstea made the third round in Miami, but then lost early in Stuttgart. Cirstea will be desperate to move on and go deep in this event.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3

Nadia Podoroska vs Emma Navarro

Head to Head: 0-1

Nadia Podoroska was due to play qualifying but instead got into the main draw through a withdrawal. The Argentine made the most of the opportunity and scored a straight sets win to get here. Emma Navarro is 19th seed and hasn’t had the best build up. A third round in Miami, followed by a second round in Charleston. The American may be low on confidence, but has beaten Podoroska before.
Prediction: Navarro in 3

Naomi Osaka vs Liudmila Samsonova

Head to Head: 1-0

Naomi Osaka is on her return to tennis after a break due to pregnancy. The Japanese four time Grand Slam champion has made a slowish start to the season. However, do not discount Osaka as she makes her return. The first round was impressive by the Japanese. Liudmila Samsonova has suffered early losses in the build up events. The 15th seed lost to Osaka in Indian Wells, so will be wary of a repeat.
Prediction: Osaka in 2

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