🎾 WTA Madrid R1: Victoria Azarenka vs Olga Danilovic

🎾 WTA Madrid R1: Victoria Azarenka vs Olga Danilovic – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇧🇾 Victoria Azarenka

• Slow start to 2025: Only four wins this season with no back-to-back victories through March.
• Declining trajectory: Had 14 wins by this time in 2024; this year has been far more subdued.
• Madrid past: Two-time finalist (2011, 2012), but recent history poor—only one campaign with multiple wins in the last six editions.
• Surface struggles: Clay remains her weakest surface in terms of titles and consistency.

🇷🇸 Olga Danilovic

• 🔥 Clay queen in April: 9-match win streak on clay this month, including the title at WTA 125 Antalya and a runner-up finish in Rouen.
• 💪 Rouen resilience: Won three consecutive three-setters before narrowly losing to Svitolina in the final.
• 📈 On the rise: Hits a career-high No. 34 after an impressive first quarter of the year.
• 🎾 Madrid motivation: Back for her second main draw appearance and eager to build on last year’s learning experience.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This match is a battle between experience and momentum. Azarenka has the pedigree, but little form to support her case. Her struggles to string together wins in 2025—combined with historically modest results on clay—suggest she could be vulnerable here.

Danilovic, meanwhile, is flying high. Her lefty forehand, consistent depth on clay, and ability to navigate tight matches have all improved drastically. Madrid’s altitude conditions could benefit her flatter hitting style, and her recent rhythm gives her a real edge.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Olga Danilovic in 2 sets

Unless Azarenka taps into vintage form, Danilovic’s clay form and confidence should carry her to a strong Madrid opener.