🎾 WTA Madrid: Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Belinda Bencic

🎾 WTA Madrid: Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Belinda Bencic – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇨🇭 Belinda Bencic

• Maternity Comeback: Returned in October and has quickly reestablished herself, winning Abu Dhabi and reaching the Indian Wells quarterfinals.
• Madrid Form: Dispatched Sonmez and Tauson in straight sets without much resistance.
• Top-30 Slayer: Has already recorded six wins over top-30 players since her return, showing excellent composure and shot tolerance.
• Altitude Advantage: Historically strong in Madrid thanks to her clean, flat ball-striking that benefits from the conditions.

🇧🇷 Beatriz Haddad Maia

• Confidence Crisis: Came into Madrid on a nine-match losing streak; managed to beat Pera after dropping the first set.
• Big Struggles: First tour-level win since the Australian Open; has lost six straight matches against top-50 players this season.
• Madrid Flashback: Reached the quarterfinals in 2024 but looks far from that level right now.
• Fighting Spirit: Effort and grit remain, but consistency and execution have been major issues.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Bencic is executing an ideal Madrid formula—serving smartly, returning aggressively, and using her clean timing to thrive in slightly faster clay conditions. Her controlled aggression could dismantle Haddad Maia if the Brazilian cannot raise her first-strike game dramatically.

Haddad Maia’s heavy forehand can be a weapon at altitude, but with her confidence shaky, sustained shot tolerance will be a challenge. Mentally, Bencic appears much stronger at the moment, and that difference should show over the course of the match.

🔮 Prediction

✔️ Prediction: Belinda Bencic in 2 sets

Haddad Maia may offer pockets of resistance, but Bencic’s current rhythm, consistency, and positive momentum should guide her safely into the next round.

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