As the Madrid Open intensifies with just eight singles matches remaining, the tennis world is buzzing with predictions. Former Grand Slam champion Ana Ivanovic recently shared her picks for both the men's and women's titles, offering insights that add extra spice to the tournament's final stretch.
On the men's side, Ivanovic's choice is clear: Jannik Sinner. "If we talk about men's, I would definitely say Sinner," she told Eurosport. With Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic both out of the draw, the path has opened up beautifully for the Italian star, who many now see as the clear favorite. Sinner has already advanced to his first Madrid Open semifinal, dispatching Rafael Jodar in the quarterfinals. Next up is the in-form Arthur Fils, but the other half of the draw still features dangerous contenders like Casper Ruud, Alexander Blockx, Flavio Cobolli, and Alexander Zverev. Both Zverev and Ruud have won in Madrid before, so Sinner knows he can't take anything for granted if he meets either of them in the later rounds.
Turning to the women's draw, which has been full of surprises this year, Ivanovic has her eye on a rising star. "In the women's draw, with Sabalenka and 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 top names like Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek has left the 17-year-old Andreeva as both the top seed and the favorite heading into the latter stages. Ivanovic believes Andreeva not only has what it takes to win in Madrid but could also make a major impact at Grand Slam level in the future. "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."
Ivanovic also touched on 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 all done," she noted, highlighting the positive energy these young stars are bringing to the sport.