Casper Ruud begins the defense of his title at the ATP Madrid Open. At the same time, former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev is looking to return to winning ways after a surprising loss in Monte Carlo. Who will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 4 Predictions
Luciano Darderi vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Head to head: Darderi 3-3 Cerundolo
This should be a very entertaining match between two clay court experts. The head-to-head is finely balanced at 3-3. Darderi is a threat on this surface and holds four ATP Tour titles. Cerundolo surprised Darderi when they played in Rio in February. The Argentine is happiest when he can play longer rallies and extract errors thanks to his persistence and work ethic. Still, Darderi brings a more powerful forehand and the Italian’s aggressive approach should pay off with a beautiful victory in Madrid.
Prediction: Darderi in 2
Casper Ruud vs Jaume Munar
Head to head: Ruud 7-1 Munar
Ruud begins the defense of his title. Last year, he captured his biggest ATP Tour title when he defeated Jack Draper in the final. But his participation this year has a drawback. He retired in Monte Carlo due to a calf injury and left Barcelona. Munar is exactly the type of player who can make this uncomfortable. He will look to stretch points and test Ruud’s movement. If the Norwegian is not functioning at 100% physically, Munar could well pull off the surprise.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Vilius Gaubas
Face to face: first meeting
This will be the first professional meeting between Auger-Aliassime and Vilius Gaubas. Gaubas is having an incredible streak after qualifying in his debut at this tournament and eliminating Sebastián Báez in the main draw. But Auger-Aliassime is clearly a class above the Lithuanian, and his power should control the proceedings.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Fabian Marozsan
Head to head: Medvedev 3-0 Marozsan
This will be Medvedev’s first match since that shocking cameo in Monte Carlo. The Russian suffered the worst defeat of his ATP career, losing 6-0, 6-0 to Matteo Berrettini. Throughout his career, Medvedev hasn’t exactly looked comfortable on clay, but now the question is how quickly he can recover from that incredible result. Marozsan is a dangerous opponent with all the tools to make this uncomfortable for the former World No. 1. That said, Medvedev can’t do worse than what happened to him in Monte Carlo. He’s still a top-notch returner, and if he finds his basic discipline, I expect him to bounce back.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Feature Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports