🎾 WTA Madrid R1: Ashlyn Krueger vs Anastasia Potapova

🎾 WTA Madrid R1: Ashlyn Krueger vs Anastasia Potapova – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇷🇺 Anastasia Potapova

• Clay start with drama: Beat Clara Tauson in a tight 3-setter in Stuttgart, saving match point, but withdrew from her next match due to injury.
• Early-season success: Title in Cluj-Napoca and QFs in Linz; reached at least the second round at all events before Indian Wells.
• Madrid missteps: Winless beyond the second round in five prior appearances at Caja Mágica.
• Health watch: Stuttgart withdrawal raises concerns about her match readiness and fitness level.

🇺🇸 Ashlyn Krueger

• Breakout campaign: Abu Dhabi finalist, Miami R4, and QFs in Brisbane and Adelaide—rising fast in 2025.
• Madrid memories: Reached R3 in her debut here last year, with wins over Hibino and Alexandrova.
• Top-35 trajectory: Her consistent progress has propelled her into the top 35 with a strong baseline game and improving clay performance.
• Clay conversion: Still a work in progress, but 2024 form shows she’s adapting well to red dirt.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Potapova’s game is built for variety and counterpunching—traits that work well on clay—but her recent injury makes this a tough spot. Krueger will bring heavy serve-forehand combinations, trying to finish points early and take advantage of Madrid’s high bounce and thinner air.

If Potapova is healthy and dialed in, she could frustrate the American with drop shots, angles, and defense. But if movement is restricted, Krueger’s rhythm and power will likely overwhelm her.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Ashlyn Krueger in 3 sets

Potapova’s ceiling is high, but Krueger enters with form, health, and confidence. Expect a close contest—edge goes to the rising American.