With No. 1 Iga Swiatek absent, who can build some pre-Paris momentum of their own in Madrid? We preview a (nearly) loaded WTA draw.

The defending champion is also still in the running to become No. 2 in next week’s WTA rankings after scoring a first win in four attempts against her Russian nemesis.

We look ahead at a few of them in our bracket breakdown.

Emma Raducanu, Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina also set new personal bests on this week’s rankings.

After recording the most impressive seasons of their careers in 2021, these players look set to take their place among the game’s elite.

All four semifinalists at the WTA 500 are aiming to earn points towards the relocated season finale in Guadalajara.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu also reaches a new career-high, rising one spot to No. 22.

“The mentality of top players and champions makes them want to play each other. They want the bragging rights, and we, as viewers, want to see it.”

The seventh seed notched her seventh consecutive victory after winning the all-American clash Thursday night, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic.

Falling to the ground in disbelief, the Swiss player posted a gritty 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-3 win over Elena Rybakina.