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The draw for the women's singles event at the Madrid Open has been released, throwing up some exciting first-round fixtures.
Like every other year, several top players will compete in the Spanish capital with the aim of being crowned champion of the Madrid Open.
Unfortunately, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek will not compete this year as she decided to take a break to rehab a minor arm injury after a grueling few weeks. The Pole’s absence does make the Madrid Open a tad more competitive, given how she dominated every tournament she took part in.
In Swiatek's absence, home hope Paula Badosa will be one of the favorites for the title after reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 2.
Reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka seems to be finding her form after a run to the final of the Stuttgart Open. The likes of Maria Sakkari, Karolina Pliskova, Ons Jabeur and Garbine Muguruza cannot be ruled out either.
There are a few notable absentees in the form of Barbora Krejcikova and Anett Kontaveit, who will miss out due to an elbow injury and illness respectively. Nonetheless, we can expect some compelling tennis action over the next week and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the end.
On that note, let’s take a look at how the draw for the Madrid Open could unfold.
First Quarter: Iga Swiatek's withdrawal opens the door for number of challengers
Seeded Players: (7) Garbine Muguruza, (9) Emma Raducanu, (16) Elena Rybakina, (17) Leylah Fernandez
Expected Quarterfinal: Emma Raducanu vs Garbine Muguruza.
Dark Horse: Petra Kvitova.
With Iga Swiatek withdrawing, Leylah Fernandez has taken her place in the main draw. The Canadian will face Andrea Petkovic in the first round, before a potential clash with three-time champion Petra Kvitova. Elena Rybakina is also in this section of the draw.
The other half of the quarter features Garbine Muguruza and Emma Raducanu. The likes of Sloane Stephens and Clara Tauson could also script an upset or two.
If the seeds hold up, Muguruza and Raducanu will meet in the last 16.
Predicted Quarterfinal: Garbine Muguruza def. Elena Rybakina
Second Quarter: Maria Sakkari on collision course with Danielle Collins
Seeded Players: (4) Maria Sakkari, (6) Danielle Collins, (12) Jessica Pegula, (13) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Expected Quarterfinal: Maria Sakkari vs Danielle Collins.
Dark Horse: Naomi Osaka.
Fourth seed Maria Sakkari will be looking to post a good run at the Madrid Open after a disappointing outing in Stuttgart. The Greek does not have the most favorable draw as she will have to face Madison Keys in her opener and potentially Daria Kasatkina in the second.
Sakkari could also come up against either Naomi Osaka or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova en route to the quarterfinals.
The other section features sixth seed Danielle Collins and 12th seed Jessica Pegula. Both players enjoyed good runs in Miami and will look to do well at the Madrid Open.
Predicted quarterfinal: Maria Sakkari def. Jessica Pegula
Third Quarter: Aryna Sabalenka will aim to defend her Madrid Open title
Seeded Players: (3) Aryna Sabalenka, (5) Karolina Pliskova, (10) Jelena Ostapenko, (15) Victoria Azarenka.
Expected Quarterfinal: Aryna Sabalenka vs Karolina Pliskova.
Dark Horse: Liudmila Samsonova.
This quarter has reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka, who might have a tough time defending her title. The Belarusian will start off against Amanda Anisimova, who beat her in Charleston not too long ago.
Sabalenka's potential second-round opponent could be Liudmila Samsonova, who did well against Iga Swiatek in the semifinals in Stuttgart before going down in three sets. The 23-year-old could face compatriot Victoria Azarenka in the last 16 but Tamara Zidansek, who is in this section, can't be written off either.
Karolina Pliskova headlines the other half of this quarter. The Czech's first two opponents will be qualifiers, which will make her the firm favorite in both ties.
Pliskova should be able to make it to the last 16 where she could meet 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko.
Predicted quarterfinal: Aryna Sabalenka def. Jelena Ostapenko
Fourth Quarter: Paula Badosa looks to sparkle in front of home fans
Seeded Players: (2) Paula Badosa, (8) Ons Jabeur, (11) Belinda Bencic, (14) Coco Gauff.
Expected Quarterfinal: Paula Badosa vs Ons Jabeur.
Dark Horse: Simona Halep.
World No. 2 Paula Badosa will take on Veronika Kudermetova in the first round. While that promises to be a tricky match, it will only get tougher for the Spaniard as she is likely to face Simona Halep in the second.
Should Badosa edge out the former World No. 1 and reach the third round, she could face 14th seed Coco Gauff. The American notably beat Badosa at the Qatar Open this season but a repeat is unlikely on the Spaniard's favorite surface.
The other half of this draw has Ons Jabeur and Belinda Bencic, who reached the semifinals of the Miami Open and triumphed at the Charleston Open respectively. The likes of Alize Cornet and Karolina Muchova could cause an upset or two in this quarter as well.
Predicted quarterfinal: Paula Badosa def. Belinda Bencic
Semifinal Predictions
Maria Sakkari def. Garbine Muguruza
Paula Badosa def. Aryna Sabalenka.
Prediction for the Final
Paula Badosa def. Maria Sakkari.
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