The clay season is in full swing and it continues to cruise forward with a new event every week. It’s now time for the popular Madrid Open to enthrall tennis lovers with high octane action for the next few days. On Wednesday, they are set to witness an exciting face-off between WTA pro Katie Volynets and returning mom – and two-time slam queen – Czechia’s Petra Kvitová. The latter hasn’t really impressed with her comeback in 2025 just yet. Will the Madrid Open be her opportunity to shine and make a lasting mark? For that, she will have to clear the obstacle named Volynets in the R128. So who’s going to have an edge between these two ladies? Let’s try to find out!
Petra Kvitova v Katie Volynets: Preview
Petra Kvitova’s comeback hasn’t turned out as per her expectations. In 2025 season, she stepped back on the court with the ATX Open in Austin, back in February. Unfortunately, she couldn’t move past the first round. Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage ousted her with a score line of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. The two-time major winner and former World No.2 then entered the Indian Wells Masters. But the fate remained unchanged as she lost the first round match against Russia’s Varvara Gracheva.
Her third WTA appearance, at the Miami Open, also didn’t yield fruitful results. Once again, she lost in the opening encounter. American Sofia Kennin ousted her in straight sets (6-4, 7-5). In short, Kvitova is still searching her maiden match win this season after returning to competitive tennis.
Speaking of her opponent, American Katie Volynets’ 2025 season has been inconsistent. She started the year on a positive note after reaching the QF stage of the ASB Classic before losing to compatriot Alycia Parks. However, in the next eight WTA events – in Hobart, Australia, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Austin, Indian Wells, Miami, and Charleston – she couldn’t impress at all while facing early exits.
In her last event, however, Volynets finally showed a bright performance. At the Oeiras Ladies Open, in Portugal, she managed to reach the summit clash last week. Unfortunately, she missed out on the trophy after losing to Hungary’s Dalma Gálfi.
Kvitova v Volynets: Head-to-Head
Both players have never met each other across WTA events in their careers. Currently, the h2h tally stands at 0-0. Wednesday’s encounter will mark their first face-off on the professional level. .
Prediction: Petra Kvitova to win in three sets
If one has to make a comparison of their singles stats, clearly Katie Volynets takes an advantage. Petra Kvitova has played three matches in 2025 while winning none. On the other hand, Volynets hasn’t got a very impressive record but still, she’s managed to clinch 8 of her 18 matches.
Now comes the most interesting part, especially in terms of event history. Veteran Kvitova has actually won the Madrid Open title in the past. And guess what? She’s done it thrice (2011, 2015, and 2018) – a record among WTA players. Plus, she’s also won a total of 32 of her 42 Madrid Open matches previously. Again, it’s the best record compared to other female players in this WTA 1000 tournament.
When it comes to Volynets, she’s only played once in Madrid – back in 2023. That time, she crashed out in the first round itself. This week, she’s set to participate in her second campaign here.
Coming onto their playing styles, Kvitova is known for her powerful, left-handed groundstrokes. Combine that up with an aggressive baseline gameplay, with a mix of solid serves and volleys. Being able to generate great power behind her forehands and backhands plays a key role in her on-court performances. But what about Volynets?
Well, the American mostly delivers an aggressive performance, combined with her impressive athleticism. Which means she can cover the court well between the baseline and the net.
While both players are struggling to shine with form this season, the Czechian’s still got an edge due to her glorious past at the Madrid Open. Yes, she may face a challenge from Volynets but Petra Kvitova is expected to win her first round match in three sets on Wednesday.
The post Madrid Open 2025: Petra Kvitova v Katie Volynets; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.
