Rebeka Masarova vs Cristina Bucsa Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Mutua Madrid Open

Prediction published on 24/04/2023, 10:37  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 25/04/2023 at 04:19 in Tennis Predictions

20th seeded Donna Vekic will have a Spanish opponent in the second round of the Madrid Open. That's because Rebeka Masarova takes on Cristina Bucsa in the first round of this outdoor clay court event. Masarova begins this tournament ranked 74th in the world which is her career high. There has been good progress made up the rankings this year as 2023 began with her in 130th place.It has already been a busy month for her as the Spaniard reached the final of the ITF clay court tournament in Oeiras, Portugal, beating three players ranked in the top 90. Her best result on the WTA tour was achieved right at the start of the year with a run to the final of the Auckland Classic where she lost to Coco Gauff. That final wasn't really built on until last week, though she did beat Ekaterina Alexandrova in Linz who was ranked 17th at the time. Masarova is at home on clay and won the junior title at Roland Garros seven years ago, as well as two ITF tournaments and a Challenger on this surface.

Cristina Bucsa is ranked four places higher than her opponent. Bucsa is also at a career high but looking to get her first win over Makarova. Their only meeting was on the ITF circuit five years ago with Masarova earning a straight sets win. Last week saw Bucsa win three matches in the Stuttgart clay court event, two of them in the qualifying rounds. The second round of the main draw was reached where only three games were won against Paula Badosa. Two of her three wins last week needed a final set. Masarova looks to be in the better form and can win this.