Swiatek and Rybakina on a collision course in Madrid

Madrid’s draw is out and it’s not disappointing on the women’s side. Among the main information of that draw, lies a potential quarter-final between Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina that would be a remake of the Australian Open fourth round and Indian Wells semi-finals.

The World No.1, who clinched the title this week in Stuttgart, lost both those matches and might want to get another shot at this rivalry ahead of Roland-Garros. The only doubt resides in Rybakina‘s fitness condition as she had to retire in Stuttgart due to a lower back injury. Swiatek could also have a tricky first match in Madrid if Emma Raducanu wins her first round against a qualifier. Barbora Krejcikova, who beat Swiatek in Dubai’s final, also looms on that side of the draw.

On the other side of that draw, Sabalenka, a finalist in Stuttgart, is projected to face Caroline Garcia in the quarter-finals. Her side of the draw is full of title contenders starting with 2022 champion Ons Jabeur, if she gets over the calf injury sustained this week, but also with Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, Petra Kvitova, Jelena Ostapenko or Leylah Fernandez. Sabalenka might also want to keep an eye on Marta Kostyuk in the early rounds. It will also be interesting, on that side of the draw, to see if Paula Badosa can build up some kind of form.