Leylah Fernandez and Ons Jabeur are all set to lock horns in the Madrid Open‘s round of 32. Leylah Fernandez boasts undeniable potential, evidenced by her stunning US Open run in 2021. However, consistent results have yet to follow. Ons Jabeur, on the other hand, is a force to be reckoned with. While she’s struggled to convert in major finals, her 2022 Madrid title remains her crowning achievement. While Fernandez shouldn’t be underestimated, will Jabeur’s experience and pedigree allow her to prevail in this encounter?

Leylah Fernandez vs Ons Jabeur: Preview

The Canadian player faced Anastasia Potapova in her first match in Madrid. She won in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, despite hitting 8 double faults and 2 aces. She only landed 59% of her first serves but won 71% of her first points. Fernandez won 5 out of 8 break points and let 3 break points slip from her out of 9. Her weakness in serve showed in the clash as Potapova managed to take 35 receiving points, while Fernandez only won 28.

Jabeur played her first match in Madrid against Anna Karolína Schmiedlová, winning in three sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. Jabeur hit 4 aces and 3 double faults, landing 60% of her first serves. She managed to win 58% points on the first serve and 56% on the second serve. Jabeur won 8 break points while giving away 6. The Tunisian player also gave away 47 receiving points and took 50, showing trouble with her serving game.  

Fernandez vs Jabeur: Head-to-Head

Fernandez and Jabeur have battled each other twice on the WTA Tour. Jabeur has been the victor in both clashes. The 2020 Cincinnati Masters held their first match, which ended in 0-6, 6-4, and 6-3 for Jabeur. Their next match held on grass in the round 2 of the 2021 Birmingham Open, which also went to three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 for Ons.

Although the Tunisian player won both matches on a fast surface. They last played each other three years ago, and their forms are quite different from what they were back then. 

Prediction: Fernandez to win the upcoming Madrid clash

Both round of 32 players are currently struggling, but Fernandez has a better form than Jabeur. The Tunisian could not dominate with her serve; now, she needs to rely on her return against Fernandez, who is serving up a storm. On the other hand, Jabeur is also struggling with injuries, which seem to be recovered for now. If Fernandez made Jabeur rely on her athleticism, she could gain the upper hand.

Jabeur has shown some of her best performances on clay, but her form this year has done little to back her up in her previous matches. She is the better player on clay, which can help her eliminate the Canadian youngster. However, Jabeur will have to exhaust most of her resources to give Fernandez an upset.