Albert
·
92m
My Prediction
Starodubtseva in 3 sets.Here we go with a cracking matchup at the Mutua Madrid Open. We've got Liudmila Samsonova, the 18th seed, squared off against the unseeded fighter, Yuliia Starodubtseva.
In recent encounters, both ladies have shown some spark. Starodubtseva seems as though she's really caught her stride, chalking up wins against Cocciaretto, Fruhvirtová, Jacquemot, and Paquet. A minor slip against Fett can, I believe, be overlooked in consideration of her otherwise green patch.
On the other side of the net, Samsonova outlasted Dolehide in her last match. But it's hard to ignore the finger of discomfort pointing at her recent losses against Alexandrova, Osaka, and Sabalenka. Even though she managed a win against Paolini, it seems like her performance has had more ebbs than flows recently.
Do not misunderstand me here, Samsonova has her strengths, as is evident by her seed position. Starodubtseva, however, seems to be gaining momentum at the right time, which might just tip the scale in her favor.
It will be a significant clash, no doubt. But in light of their contrasting form, I'm tipping Starodubtseva to overcome the challenge. It might not be a walk in the park, though. She might need three hard-fought sets to clinch victory.
Albert’s Prediction: Starodubtseva in 3 sets.
Albert
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