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Just eight singles matches remain in this year’s Madrid Open.
So with that in mind, now seems like a good time to try and predict who might end up lifting the trophy in both the men’s and women’s draws.
Former Grand Slam champion Ana Ivanovic has made her Madrid Open picks.
Ana Ivanovic tips Jannik Sinner and Mirra Andreeva for Madrid Open glory
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In a chat with ‘Eurosport’, Ivanovic was asked who she thinks will come out on top in Madrid this year.
“If we talk about men’s, I would definitely say [Jannik] Sinner,” she said.
With Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic both out, the path has opened up nicely for Sinner, who many now see as the clear favourite to lift the trophy.
He’s already into his first semi-final at the event after getting past Rafael Jodar in the last eight. Next up is Arthur Fils, who’s been playing some great tennis. On the other side of the draw, Casper Ruud, Alexander Blockx, Flavio Cobolli and Alexander Zverev are still in contention.
Zverev and Ruud have both won in Madrid before, so Sinner will know he can’t take anything for granted if he meets either of them later on.
Ivanovic also weighed in on the women’s draw, which has seen plenty of surprises this year.
“In the women’s draw, with [Aryna] Sabalenka and [Elena] Rybakina being out, I would probably give chances to Mirra Andreeva because I like her game style and I think clay suits her,” she said.
The absence of Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek has left Mirra Andreeva as both top seed and favourite going into the latter stages of this year’s tournament.
Ivanovic believes Andreeva not only has what it takes to win in Madrid but could also make an impact at Grand Slam level down the line.
“I think there is so much depth now. Many players can compete for Grand Slams,” Ivanovic added. “Someone like Andreeva or Coco Gauff — who has already won — there are so many good players.”
Ana Ivanovic on the impact Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have had on tennis
Ivanovic also spoke about how Sinner and Alcaraz have influenced the men’s game, both through their performances and their personalities.
“I think it’s great the awareness they’ve brought to tennis, and what they’ve already achieved at such a young age,” she said.
“I think they just brought tennis to a new level and a new depth.
“They have [slightly] different styles, but still very powerful, very inspiring to watch, totally different characters, which is great for tennis.
She continued by highlighting how important rivalries are for keeping fans interested in the sport.
“Which is, I think, very important to have rivalries like the big four in the past and Novak still being active.”
Alcaraz is currently injured and will miss the remainder of the clay-court season. He hopes to be back fit in time for Wimbledon when he can resume his rivalry with Sinner.
Read more:
- Arthur Fils shares thoughts on matching Jannik Sinner’s current win streak
- Jannik Sinner draws level with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on incredible career milestone
- Conchita Martinez responds to Mirra Andreeva’s ‘I’m not a champion’ comments in Madrid
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