Today : Apr 28, 2025
Sports
28 April 2025

Svitolina Faces Sakkari In Madrid Open Showdown

Both players aim for a spot in the quarterfinals after strong Round of 32 performances

In a highly anticipated clash at the Mutua Madrid Open, Elina Svitolina, ranked No. 17 in the world, is set to face off against No. 82 Maria Sakkari in the Round of 16 on Monday, April 28, 2025. Both players are coming off impressive victories in the previous round, setting the stage for an exciting match on the clay courts of Madrid.

Svitolina enters this matchup with an impressive record of 7-0 on clay this year. She recently defeated Elena Rybakina in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, showcasing her strong form. The 29-year-old Ukrainian has a remarkable 88.7% winning percentage in her service games on clay, having won 55 of 62 service games. Furthermore, she has been effective in breaking her opponents, claiming 59.2% of break points this season, ranking her 14th in the category.

On the other side of the net, Sakkari is looking to capitalize on her recent success as well. She triumphed over Jasmine Paolini with a commanding score of 6-2, 6-1 in her last match. Although Sakkari has a 4-2 record on clay this year, she aims to secure her first tournament title on this surface in 2025. Her statistics reveal that she has won 72.4% of her service games and converted 41.7% of her break-point chances, which reflects her competitive edge.

The odds for this matchup indicate that Svitolina is the favorite, with a moneyline of -235, while Sakkari is the underdog at +185. This suggests that the betting community has high expectations for Svitolina to advance further in the tournament. According to the implied chances based on the moneyline, Svitolina has a solid edge going into the match.

As both players prepare for this pivotal encounter, their head-to-head record since 2022 stands at 0-0, meaning this match will be a fresh contest between the two. Svitolina's recent form includes a victory at the Open Capfinances Rouen Metropole on April 20, where she defeated No. 39-ranked Olga Danilovic in the final with a score of 6-4, 7-6. This victory further boosts her confidence heading into the Madrid Open.

Meanwhile, Sakkari's journey in the previous tournament was cut short when she was eliminated by No. 73-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the Round of 32. However, her recent performance against Paolini demonstrates her ability to bounce back and compete at a high level. As she seeks to regain her footing, Sakkari will be looking to leverage her experience and skills against a formidable opponent like Svitolina.

In terms of their overall performance in 2025, Svitolina boasts a match record of 18-6 and an impressive set record of 38-17. She averages 3.5 aces per match and has successfully won 105 break points this year. In contrast, Sakkari's match record stands at 10-11, with a set record of 19-23 and an average of 2.6 aces per match, having won 70 break points in the same timeframe.

As the match approaches, fans are eager to see how Svitolina's strong service game and break-point conversion will play out against Sakkari's resilience and determination. This matchup not only has implications for the tournament but also offers a chance for both players to showcase their skills on a grand stage.

With the excitement building, tennis enthusiasts can catch the action live on the Tennis Channel via Fubo. The match is set to unfold on the clay courts of Madrid, where both players will look to harness the unique surface to their advantage.

As the tournament progresses, Svitolina's odds to win the entire Mutua Madrid Open currently sit at +1100, while Sakkari's odds are at +4000. These figures reflect the competitive landscape of the tournament and the challenges that lie ahead for both athletes.

In conclusion, the clash between Elina Svitolina and Maria Sakkari promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both players in strong form and eager to advance, fans can expect a match filled with intensity and high-level tennis. Will Svitolina continue her unbeaten streak on clay this year, or can Sakkari pull off an upset? The stage is set, and the tennis world is watching closely.