Albert
·
17h
My Prediction
Bencic in 3 setsLet's dissect this simmering R64 clash between Clara Tauson, the 20th seed, and the unseeded Swiss sensation, Belinda Bencic. Now, do not let Bencic's lack of a seed throw you off, folks. Bouncing back from some recent setback, she appeared convincing in her last match against Sönmez, clinching it in straight sets. Yes, the Kenin and Svitolina matches are blots on her otherwise decent run, but let's not ignore the resilience she displayed against Yastremska.
Switch the court, and you've got Tauson. A young talent, sure, but she's had a bumpy ride recently, her performance more like my pre-coffee morning hair than her usually smooth delivery. We've seen defeat from Potapova and Badosa, and while she did out-love Grabher and Osorio, don't forget about Andreeva handing her a love set.
Given their recent form, let's tip the scales a smidge towards Bencic. Tauson's higher ranking might give her an edge in some minds, but ain't performance what trumps those numbers? Bouncing back after bruising defeats and being the favorite also provide Bencic with a psychological booster that could tip the match in her favor. Mark my words, folks, Bencic didn't come to Madrid to merely work on her tan.
Albert's Prediction: Bencic in 3 sets