🎾 WTA Madrid: Liudmila Samsonova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva

🎾 WTA Madrid: Liudmila Samsonova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇷🇺 Liudmila Samsonova

• Back on Track: Snapped a two-match losing streak with a solid 6–4, 6–4 win over Dolehide in the second round.
• Inconsistent Season: Aside from a QF at Indian Wells and SF in Adelaide, 2025 has been a struggle for momentum.
• Madrid Regular: Reaches the third round in Madrid for the third straight year, showing some surface comfort.
• Still Searching: Ranked No. 20 but hasn’t consistently shown top-10 level form this year.

🇺🇦 Yuliia Starodubtseva

• Dream Run: From 0–3 on clay this season to five straight wins in Madrid, including qualifying rounds.
• Breakout Momentum: Wins over Fruhvirtova and Cocciaretto after surviving grueling qualifying battles.
• Career Revival: Had lost in qualifying or R1 at her last 15 tournaments before this run.
• Big-Match Upset History: Owns a top-20 win (Kalinskaya) and has previously reached WTA QFs (Monastir, Beijing).

🔍 Match Breakdown

On paper, Samsonova’s heavy serve and aggressive flat hitting should control the match, especially in Madrid’s faster clay conditions. She has the advantage in experience, power, and shot production.

However, Starodubtseva’s form surge shouldn’t be dismissed. Playing with freedom, she's used angles, depth, and tactical variation to disrupt opponents and extend rallies—something Samsonova sometimes struggles against if forced into longer exchanges.

If Samsonova serves well and keeps rallies short, she should avoid trouble. But if her rhythm dips or if Starodubtseva can extend points, this could become a scrap.

🔮 Prediction

✔️ Prediction: Liudmila Samsonova in 3 sets

Expect Samsonova to power through eventually, but don’t be surprised if Starodubtseva keeps it close with inspired play. A gritty battle seems likely before class edges through.

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