Draw for the WTA 1000 in Madrid: Swiatek with Ostapenko and Keys, Sabalenka in a favorable section of the draw

The draw for the WTA 1000 in Madrid was held this Sunday, two days before the start of the competition.

Aryna Sabalenka, who qualified for the final of the Stuttgart tournament, finds herself in the same quarter of the draw as Qinwen Zheng, a player she has beaten in all six encounters. The world No. 1 will begin her week against a qualifier and could face Paula Badosa, one of her best friends on the circuit, in the round of 16.

For Iga Swiatek, the defending champion, the path will be fraught with challenges. The Polish player could meet Alexandra Eala in her opening match if the latter surpasses Viktoriya Tomova in the first round. Linda Noskova would then be next on the world No. 2's path, before a potential round of 16 clash against her nemesis Jelena Ostapenko.

A well-packed quarter of the draw includes Madison Keys, who could face Naomi Osaka at the beginning.

Elsewhere in the draw, Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff could meet in the quarterfinals, while Jessica Pegula drew Jasmine Paolini in her section.

Varvara Gracheva, the only Frenchwoman in the main draw, will start against Lulu Sun. If she qualifies for the second round, she will play against Sofia Kenin.