Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WTA Madrid match.
These two players have already met six times—a noteworthy frequency considering Linda Noskova is only 20 years old. On five of those occasions, it was Iga Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, who emerged victorious.
Linda Noskova
Linda Noskova's only win over the Polish player came at the 2024 Australian Open. That Grand Slam remains her most impressive showing at this level so far, as she advanced to the quarter-finals. Iga Swiatek was eliminated in the third round following a three-set battle (3:6, 6:3, 6:4). At this same WTA 1000 clay-court event last year, Noskova was eliminated in the second round, losing to then-world No. 43 Mirra Andreeva in another three-set match (6:4, 3:6, 3:6). Regardless of the outcome this time, Noskova is assured of gaining additional ranking points.
Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek has shown some vulnerability this season, having already suffered seven defeats. That said, she has consistently responded well to setbacks. In March, she was upset in Miami by one of this year’s breakout performers, Alexandra Eala, losing 2:6, 5:7. However, when they met again in the second round in Madrid, Alexandra Eala mounted another challenge but ultimately fell in three sets (4:6, 6:4, 6:2). Both players have won 48 points on their own serve at this tournament, but Iga Swiatek required only 80 attempts to do so, while her opponent needed 100. Furthermore,Swiatek’s first serve has been significantly more efficient: she has won 63.8% of those points compared to Linda Noskova’s 50.7%.
Linda Noskova vs Iga Swiatek Prediction
A win for Iga Swiatek is unlikely to come easily, so backing her outright isn’t the preferred option here. Instead, the value lies in expecting a lengthy contest.
