Emma Raducanu is playing some really solid tennis right now, and she hopes it will carry over to the 2024 Madrid Open, where she’ll start against Karolina Pliskova.
Before we delve deeper into this matchup, we have to mention the specific conditions in Madrid, which make the ball fly a bit faster than on regular clay. Good servers greatly benefit from these conditions, as do super-aggressive players who like to keep the rallies short.
Both of these players will benefit from these conditions, but Raducanu has played really well recently. She had a four-match winning streak on clay until Iga Swiatek snapped it a few days ago, and that’s important to note because it’s the first time she has won four matches in a row since her iconic US Open run.
**Head-to-head:**
Raducanu will begin her 2024 Madrid Open with a match against Pliskova. The Czech player is an experienced player who actually played pretty well this year. She has some notable wins and a trophy to her name as well; however, the recent weeks haven’t been spectacular. She played in Rouen, winning her first match but losing the next one.
Raducanu has looked far better in recent weeks, and the way she played in Madrid in the past could play to her advantage in this matchup. Obviously, a lot will depend on Pliskova herself, especially her serve, but I think Raducanu has a good chance in rallies.
| Emma Raducanu | | Karolina Pliskova |
| ————- | – | —————– |
| 0 | | 0 |
| Ranking | | 47 |
| 21 | | 32 |
| 9-6 | | 13-7 |
| 107-55 | | 634-363 |
**Prediction:**
It mostly has to do with her form lately because it’s been really good, as well as the matchup. She will be very aggressive, and that can give Pliskova some problems in these faster-than-usual conditions. Ultimately, it’s about form, and Raducanu has played better recently.
**Prediction:** Emma Raducanu to win in two sets.
