Mayar Sherif vs Aryna Sabalenka Prediction: Mountain-like Mayar takes on one of the best

What a thrilling tournament Madrid Open has been. A lot of lower-ranked players have showcased why they are regulars in WTA tournaments. The tournament has brought some interesting results. We have seen top talents sink in the early rounds while some underdogs have made it into the interesting phase. That phase is the Quarterfinals and in this Quarterfinal game, Mayar Sherif will take on Aryna Sabalenka. 

Sherif comes into the game after defeating Elise Mertens 6-4. 0-6, 6-4 in another thrilling win. Mayar struck 73% on the first serve and garnered 51% win on first serve. Elise had a 62% first serve which held her back in the game. Even though she had a better win percentage in terms of first serve, she struggled to land them as much as Mayar. Mayar had a 51-40 service points edge but she was heavily outmatched in terms of the return game as Mertens took a 58-44 edge. This is the deepest run Sherif has made in a long time, falling early in tournaments such as Indian Wells Masters, Australian Open, and Miami Open.

This shows that she is a clay specialist and thrives even against tough opponents. She defeated fifth-ranked Caroline Garcia in the last round, and 30-seeded Anehina Kelinina in the first round. Sherif has had to win two tiebreakers and survive an emphatic Mertens. She has toughened it out thus far and her service game has been carrying her this far as she has struck repeatedly in 70% on first serve and have gotten impressive winners in other ways too.

Saba enters this game after defeating Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-1 in the Round of 16. Aryna didn’t turn up a good service game and hit just 53% on first serve, however, her return game was in full flow as she pinched out a highly impressive 35-14 receiving points edge. Saba had zero double-faults and seriously how far she has come out of her image as a player who commits a lot of unforced errors.

This adjustment alongside her power-hitting game has reaped dividends. However, the most impressive has been her return game and these factors lead her to the Australian Open title and another impressive run after that. Aryna has taken care of business early and has fought her way right into the title game. Saba is yet to drop a set in this tournament and she has looked unstoppable in all ways.

This is the first time Mayar and Aryna will meet. What an intriguing prospect!

Sherif after being quiet for multiple tournaments has shown her A-game on clay. Sherif had an 84% win record on clay last year and currently has seven wins and just two losses there implying her firm sustenance on the court. However, Aryna has been way more destructive across the boards and she has dusted off early round players in two sets mostly. I expect Saba to do that again but Mayar may at least take four games in a one of the sets.