WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions Including Madison Keys vs Lucia Bronzetti

Madison Keys is one of three Grand Slam champions kicking off their WTA Madrid Open campaign on Thursday. The Australian Open champion will play Naomi Osaka’s conqueror Lucia Bronzetti for a spot in the third round. Who will advance?

WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions

Diane Parry vs Anna Kalinskaya

Head-to-head: first meeting

Before this week, Parry had only played five matches and lost all of them. She missed a significant chunk of the hard-court swing because of a knee injury. Judging by her strong run this week from qualifying, it is evident that she’s made a full recovery. Kalinskaya is a player with a ton of talent, but has also dealt with a number of recurring fitness issues this season. She missed the Australian Open and retired from the WTA 250 in Singapore, thereby derailing her entire Middle East Swing. This match will be a test of fitness, but if Kalinskaya is in peak physical condition, she’ll have a clear edge.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2

Leylah Fernandez vs Ann Li

Head-to-head: first meeting

Fernandez has one win in her last five matches. Her form unravelled quickly, just when it looked like she was piecing her season together a couple of months ago. Li has an identical 10-8 record this season, but with slightly more impressive results (runner-up in Singapore). The American thrives in extended rallies as she can tame power with her constructive and patient tennis. However, Fernandez is not exactly the player who will take the bait. Li might need to hit the risky shots and could struggle with control.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2

Liudmila Samsonova vs Caroline Dolehide

Head-to-head: first meeting

Conditions in Madrid favor big ball strikers. And Samsonova and Dolehide are in that realm. The American started her campaign in the first round, where she powered past Elina Avanesyan 6-4 6-4. Samsonova has lost her last three matches, but she won’t go for the panic button given the kind of competition she faced. Dolehide might keep things close if she shortens points and potentially force a tiebreak. Ultimately, Samsonova’s flat power should be enough to secure a much-needed first victory since mid-March.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3

Madison Keys vs Lucia Bronzetti

Head-to-head: Keys 2-0 Bronzetti

Bronzetti has the temerity to play out of her comfort zone, something she did spectacularly to upset Naomi Osaka in the opening round. And if the Italian can hang around for too long, then she might fancy her chances of wearing down Keys. The Australian Open champion hasn’t played since a shock round of 16 defeat to Anna Kalinskaya in Charleston. That said, the American is unlikely to let her off the hook and should bludgeon her way into the next round routinely.
Prediction: Keys in 2