Madrid Open 2023: Rogers vs Kanepi Tennis Prediction and Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Madrid Open first-round match featuring Shelby Rogers vs. Kaia Kanepi on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Shelby Rogers vs. Kaia Kanepi Preview

American Shelby Rogers is locked in a power-hitting battle against Kaia Kanepi. The Estonian won their matchup on clay last season, so will Rogers avenge that defeat at the 2023 Madrid Open?

Shelby Rogers’ wait for a first WTA title is likely to continue at the Madrid Open, but you feel she is too good a player not to end that drought. Rogers reached the round of 16 in Charleston at the start of April where he tallied some good wins over compatriots Danielle Collins and Caty McNally and even threatened an upset by taking a set off defending champion Belinda Bencic before she lost out in three. Rogers is playing at a high level, and although at high altitude it could be anyone’s game against Kaia Kanepi, the Estonian is well below par this year.

Kaia Kanepi is in awful form coming to the 2023 Madrid Open. She is only 3-8 for the season and has lost her last six matches on the spin. Defeat to Madison Brengle in Charleston this month raised some serious questions about her stoicism and form for this year’s clay swing. Last year she won 10 matches on the surface, making the third round at Roland Garros. It’s hard to see her having a shot at Shelby Rogers here.

Shelby Rogers vs. Kaia Kanepi Prediction and Pick

Kaia Kanepi leads Shelby Rogers 2-1 in their head-to-head, winning their last clash on the green clay in Charleston 12 months ago. Rogers is playing at a higher level than Kanepi. Five of Rogers’ nine defeats this year have come against top 10 players. You cannot rule out an upset given the conditions at the Madrid Open play to Kanepi’s liking, but Rogers should be too strong on the day.