Day 4 at the WTA Mutua Madrid Open brings more second-round action on the high-altitude clay, where movement, stamina, and the ability to handle the faster bounce separate the field. Players with recent momentum and comfort on the surface will have an advantage as the tournament heats up. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
WTA Madrid Day 4 Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Maria SakkariÂ
Head-to-Head: Pliskova 4-3 SakkariÂ
Pliskova showed her fighting spirit in the first round, coming back from a set down against a qualifier with that big serve and cleaner groundstrokes as the match went on. She has a strong Madrid history, including a semifinal run before, and knows how to use her height to stretch opponents on this surface. Sakkari always brings intensity and has solid clay results in her career, but her season so far has had ups and downs, with movement sometimes letting her down in longer matches. Their head-to-head is close, with Pliskova holding a slight edge overall and winning their last meeting on clay. Pliskova’s serve and recent win here should help her dictate more points.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Clara Tauson vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-Head: Siniakova 2–0 TausonÂ
Tauson is easing back into competition after some time away due to injury and has the game to do well on clay with her height and flat hitting. She looked solid early but this is a step up in challenge. Siniakova moves exceptionally well on the dirt, constructs points patiently, and has already picked up a good win here. Her variety and fitness have troubled Tauson before, and on this surface she can extend rallies and force errors.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Sorana Cirstea vs Tyra Caterina Grant
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Cirstea has had a strong 2026 so far with a title win and consistent results, including solid clay performances in recent events where she grinds out wins with smart tactics. She knows how to manage physical matches on the surface. Grant, a promising young player, impressed by winning her first-round match and has shown good clay results at lower levels with aggressive baseline play. The step up to this level against a veteran could be tough, though her energy will make it interesting. Cirstea’s experience and recent form should help her stay steady.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Head-to-Head: Rybakina 2–0 Ruse
Ruse earned her spot here and has decent clay pedigree from past results, using good placement and variety to compete. She will need her best tennis to trouble bigger hitters. Rybakina comes in with strong recent form, including a title on clay, and her powerful serve and groundstrokes translate well to these conditions even if Madrid’s altitude adds extra pace. She has the weapons to dominate when she finds her rhythm early.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
