🎾 WTA Madrid R1: Ajla Tomljanovic vs Rebeka Masarova

🎾 WTA Madrid R1: Ajla Tomljanovic vs Rebeka Masarova – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇦🇺 Ajla Tomljanovic

• 🎯 Inconsistent 2025: First-round losses at Indian Wells and Miami show she's still searching for rhythm.
• 🌟 Bright spots: Semifinal in Austin and third round in Charleston provide glimpses of her tenacity.
• 📉 Madrid record: Just 1–4 lifetime here and hasn’t advanced past R1 since 2014.
• ⚠️ Ranking watch: Hovering near the Top 100—every win matters to maintain WTA-level entries.

🇪🇸 Rebeka Masarova

• 🏠 Home advantage: Reached R3 as a wildcard in Madrid 2022, with key wins over Vekic and Bucsa.
• 🔥 Strong qualifying: Defeated Arantxa Rus and Sara Bejlek in straight sets to earn main draw entry.
• 📈 Recent uptick: R3 in Miami and a semifinal in Puerto Vallarta signal a return to form.
• 📍 Surface suited: Born in Switzerland but reps Spain—clay and home support align perfectly in Madrid.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Tomljanovic’s higher tour-level pedigree makes her a dangerous opponent, especially when her timing and footwork are on. But her poor track record in Madrid—combined with patchy results and fitness concerns—means she’ll need a strong start to fend off a fired-up Masarova.

Masarova arrives sharper, with altitude-adjusted wins already under her belt and a clear comfort level on home clay. Her topspin-heavy forehand should push Tomljanovic back and open up court space, particularly in extended rallies where recent match play gives her a physical edge.

Expect tight sets and strategic swings—but the Spaniard’s freshness and local familiarity might just make the difference.

🔮 Prediction

✅ Winner: Rebeka Masarova in 3 sets

With the crowd behind her and two wins already in Madrid this week, Masarova is primed to wear Tomljanovic down if the Aussie can’t dictate early.