WTA Madrid Day 3 Predictions Including Coco Gauff vs Arantxa Rus

Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Sara Errani

Head-to-head: Errani 3-1 Haddad Maia

36-year-old Errani, who has not reached a WTA final since 2016, has enjoyed a slight resurgence in the last few weeks. That continued with her dramatic opening round win against Caroline Wozniacki in Madrid. Nonetheless, the Italian is unlikely to topple Haddad Maia. Their last meeting was in 2018, when the Brazilian was not at the level she is now. Haddad Maia can match Errani’s trademark grit and determination, but she also has more firepower to seize the initiative in the rallies to prevail.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2

Maria Sakkari vs Donna Vekic

Head-to-head: Vekic 6-3 Sakkari

Vekic was outstanding in her 6-1 6-2 demolition of Laura Siegemund in the opening round. This meeting with Sakkari is their first on clay. The Greek player has thrived in the early stages of her partnership with Jessica Pegula’s former coach David Witt. Sakkari is the superior athlete, meaning Vekic will need to use her power, as she did against Siegemund. The 2021 French Open semifinalist’s improved mentality since Witt joined might make the difference here. If Vekic hits a purple patch during the match, Sakkari is not as likely to panic compared to 12 months ago.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3

Coco Gauff vs Arantxa Rus

Head-to-head: First meeting

Gauff’s opening few months to the season have been patchy, including some shock defeats. Rus plays her best tennis on clay and will make the American work hard to win. Nonetheless, this is a good matchup for the US Open champion. On clay, Rus uses heavy spin with her left-handed cross-court forehand, usually with great success. But that tactic is unlikely to be successful against Gauff, who possesses the best backhand in women’s tennis. The 20-year-old should then be able to hit her way through Rus, despite the Dutchwoman being a very good mover on clay.
Prediction: Gauff in 2