The ATP Madrid Masters 1000 match is into Day 4, with Round of 64 motion set to conclude. Top seeds are in motion, together with Alexander Zverev vs Mariano Navone. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all of the scheduled matches for you. But who will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 4 (*4*)
Alexander Blockx vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head – Blockx 0-1 Nakashima
This is an intriguing matchup, with Brandon Nakashima arriving with out a lot kind and nonetheless looking for rhythm. Clay can be his most difficult floor, the place he typically struggles to hit via the courtroom and end factors cleanly. Alexander Blockx, then again, has proven some encouraging indicators on clay lately, together with stable performances in Monte Carlo, and appears extra snug developing factors on the grime.
The Belgian ought to lean closely on his serve for reasonable factors, however he’s additionally succesful from the baseline of creating this bodily for Nakashima. If Blockx maintains a stable degree in longer exchanges, he has an actual likelihood right here. Expect a aggressive battle, with Blockx having the sting in these situations.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head – First Meeting
It’ll be fascinating to see how Learner Tien handles this a part of the season, because the American has already outperformed expectations early in his profession, together with choosing up a title. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo is available in filled with confidence after one of many largest wins of his life, dismissing Grigor Dimitrov in a surprisingly one-sided consequence.
Vallejo ought to carry that momentum and keep aggressive, particularly if he might be aggressive early on within the rallies. Still, Tien seems the extra established participant at this degree, with the power to unfold the courtroom properly and again it up with superior defence. Expect a good two-setter.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Francisco Cerundolo vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head – Cerundolo 4-2 Hanfmann
This one is extraordinarily tight to name. Francisco Cerundolo arrives after a disappointing Munich quarterfinal loss to Alexander Zverev. He now faces Yannick Hanfmann, who trails the head-to-head 2–4 however did beat Cerundolo earlier this yr in Santiago.
Both are extremely competent on clay, so this could keep shut deep into units. Hanfmann backed up his degree with a serving masterclass in spherical one, and that performs properly within the barely faster Madrid situations. Expect Hanfmann to land the upset, supplied he doesn’t get drained, with Cerundolo probably discovering it robust to regulate to the additional pace on these courts.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head – First Meeting
Another intriguing match on our palms. Alexander Zverev will look to place his Munich semifinal exit behind him and reset right here, particularly in a draw that’s opened up with a number of prime names withdrawing. It’s a major likelihood for the German to construct momentum forward of Roland Garros.
His opener is difficult on paper towards the harmful Mariano Navone, recent off a title in Bucharest and filled with confidence on clay. Still, Zverev ought to be capable of assert himself early along with his serve and first-strike patterns, utilizing his weight of shot to penetrate the courtroom extra constantly than Navone can. Expect Zverev to start out strongly and are available via.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
