The Madrid Open will now lead into the round of 32 as more players leave the tournament despondent. On a high note after a strong North American swing, Maria Sakkari enters the Madrid tournament brimming with confidence. Known for her consistent play across surfaces, Sakkari is still hunting for her first major title. Her opponent, Sloane Stephens, is also riding a wave of confidence after winning the Rouen Open and her opening matches in Madrid. This sets the stage for a tightly contested battle.

Sloane Stephens vs Maria Sakkari: Preview

Stepping into the Madrid Open, the 33-ranked first beat Martina Trevisan 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, and then Belgian Elise Mertens 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Stephens hit 2 aces and four double faults in both matches while winning 67% of points on first serve against Mertens. She won 10 out of 31 break points, which shows some difficulty in closing out tough situations. She is managing to land 74% of first serves but needs to make it more difficult for her opponents.

Sakkari played against Donna Vekic in her first appearance in the 2024 Madrid Open, winning 6-3, 6-2 after hitting 7 aces and 1 double fault. Despite a 58% first serve, she won 70% of points on first serve, with 71% on second serve. She took 4 break points and gave away 1, showing good control under pressure. Her serve made her opponent struggle, which could spell trouble for Stephens.  

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Stephens vs Sakkari: Head-to-Head

Sakkari and Stephens have played against each other once on the WTA Tour. The 2022 Canadian Open round of 32 held their clash, where Sakkari emerged victorious in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Their only clash does not give much insight into their upcoming clash, as it was held two years ago on a different surface. So who will take the victory?

Prediction: Sakkari to take the win

While Stephens won a clay tournament earlier this year, she does not have a great chance against Sakkari, who is known for her returns. Stephens gave a good show against her previous two opponents, but Sakkari is currently above her and might just push Stephens off the edge. Sakkari is also faring better with her serve game, as witnessed by the 7 aces and 71% win on first serve in the last match.

While the Greek is set to take the win, it will not be an easy victory. Stephens is on a roll since winning the Rouen Open and will not make things easy for Sakkari. She has shown a marginally better performance on clay, which can also turn out in her favor. Given their current forms, it is an even match-up, but Sakkari should be the one to take the win home.