Casper Ruud kicks off his title defense at the ATP Madrid Open. At the same time, former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev looks to return to winning ways after an eyebrow-raising defeat 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 poised at 3-3. Darderi is a menace on this surface, and he owns four ATP Tour titles. Cerundolo shocked Darderi when they played in Rio back in February. The Argentine is at his happiest when he’s able to play longer rallies and extract errors thanks to his persistence and work ethic. Still, Darderi brings the heavier forehand to the table, and the Italian’s aggressive approach should pay off with a precious victory in Madrid.
Prediction: Darderi in 2
Casper Ruud vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Ruud 7-1 Munar
Ruud begins his title defense. Last year, he captured his biggest ATP Tour title when he defeated Jack Draper in the final. But there is a wrinkle to his participation this year. He retired in Monte Carlo due to a calf injury, and he withdrew from Barcelona. Munar is exactly the type of player who can make this uncomfortable. He’ll look to stretch points and test Ruud’s movement. If the Norwegian is not operating near 100% physically, Munar might well pull off the upset.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Vilius Gaubas
Head-to-head: first meeting
This will be the first career meeting between Auger-Aliassime and Vilius Gaubas. Gaubas is having an amazing run after qualifying on his debut appearance in this tournament and knocking out Sebastian Baez 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 right now the question is how quickly he can reset from that unbelievable result. Marozsan is a dangerous opponent with all the tools to make this awkward for the former World No. 1. That said, Medvedev can’t fare worse than what he served up in Monte Carlo. He’s still a top-tier returner, and if he finds his baseline discipline, I expect him to bounce back.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
