WTA Madrid Day 4 Predictions Including Rybakina vs Ruse

Day four at the WTA Mutua Madrid Open brings more second-round action on high-altitude clay, where movement, stamina and the ability to handle sharp bounce separate the field. As the tournament heats up, players with recent speed and comfort on the surface will have the advantage. As always, we will be offering our predictions for each match as per the schedule here on LWOT. But who will move forward?

WTA Madrid Day 4 Predictions

Karolina Pliskova vs. Maria Sakkari

head to head: Pliskova 4-3 Sakkari

Pliskova showed her fighting spirit in the first round, coming back from losing a set against a qualifier with big serves and clean groundstrokes as the match progressed. She has a strong Madrid history, including previous semi-final appearances, and knows how to use her height to stretch opponents on this surface. Sakkari always brings intensity and solid results throughout his career, but his season has had ups and downs so far, with movement sometimes costing him long matches. Their head-to-head is close, with Pliskova holding a slight lead on the overall and having won their last meeting on clay. Pliskova’s serve and recent wins here will help her gain more points.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3rd

Clara Tauson vs Katerina Siniakova

head to head: Siniakova 2-0 Towson

Towson is easing back into competition after some time away due to injury and has found the opportunity to perform well on clay with her height and flat hitting. She looked strong early on but this is a step up in the challenge. Siniakova moves exceptionally well on dirt, scores points patiently and has already had a good win here. Her versatility and fitness has troubled Towson before, and on this surface she can extend rallies and force mistakes.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2nd

Sorana Cristia vs Tyra Katrina Grant

head to head: first meeting

It’s been a strong 2026 so far for Cristea with title wins and consistent results, including solid clay performances at recent events where she wins with smart strategy. She knows how to manage superficially physical matches. Grant, a promising young player, impressed by winning his first round match and has shown good clay results at the lower levels with aggressive baseline play. The step up to this level could be tough against a veteran, although his energy will make it interesting. Cristea’s experience and recent form will help her remain consistent.
Prediction: Christia in 2

elena rybakina vs elena-gabriella ruse

head to head: Rybakina 2-0 Ruse

Rouse earned his place here and had good soil pedigree from previous results, using good placement and variation to compete. She will need her best tennis to trouble the big hitters. Rybakina comes in with strong recent form, including a title on clay, and her powerful serve and groundstrokes translate well in these conditions, even if Madrid’s height adds extra speed. When she finds her rhythm early she has the weapons to dominate.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2nd

Main photo credit: Susan Mullen-USA TODAY Sports