Madrid Open 2023: Petra Kvitova vs Jule Niemeier preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (10) Petra Kvitova vs Jule Niemeier
Tournament: Mutua Madrid Open 2023
Date: TBA
Round: Second Round (Round of 64)
Venue: Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor clay
Prize money: €7,652,174
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Petra Kvitova vs Jule Niemeier preview
Three-time former champion Petra Kvitova will open her 2023 Madrid Open campaign with a second-round encounter against the big-hitting Jule Niemeier.
Kvitova, who holds the record for the most match wins at the Madrid Open (32), comes into the tournament fresh off a ninth WTA 1000 title in Miami last month. The Czech, however, was forced to withdraw from Stuttgart due to a foot injury.
With an impressive 17-5 win-loss record for the season, Kvitova still looks dangerous. And with her history in Madrid, the Czech will consider herself one of the firm title contenders.
Niemeier, meanwhile, ended her disastrous seven-match losing streak with a first-round victory over Wang Xinyu. The German, who is yet to win back-to-back matches in 2023, dropped only six games en route to a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 win.
Niemer's recent run of form has come as a surprise to many who tipped her for more success after a breakout 2022 season in which she reached the second week at both Wimbledon and the US Open. She has posted some encouraging results against quality opponents and will be keen to string together a few wins here at the Madrid Open.
Petra Kvitova vs Jule Niemeier head-to-head
Kvitova leads Niemeier 1-0 in their current head-to-head, having beaten her at the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy last year.
Petra Kvitova vs Jule Niemeier odds
(Odds will be updated soon.)
Petra Kvitova vs Jule Niemeier prediction
Both Kvitova and Niemeier possess similarly power-packed games and will look to outmuscle each other from the back of the court.
Niemeier does, however, like to mix in some sliced backhands into the rallies and can use the shot as an effective form of defense as well. Her topspin-heavy forehand, as powerful as it is, can go astray at times, leading to errors.
Kvitova will look to exploit some of these weaknesses, especially with her tricky lefty serve into the German's backhand wing. The Czech will need to be prepared to handle a few slices and drop shots, but if she can keep her composure, her pacey flat hitting should prove too strong for Niemeier in this one.
Pick: Kvitova to win in straight sets