The ATP clay court season continues in Spain with the Mutua Madrid Open. This Masters 1000 event welcomes in a 96-man singles draw that features some of the world’s best, including its last two champions: Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. Day 2 of main draw action features some intriguing matchups, including Cristian Garin vs Marc-Andrea Huesler. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for that match and all other happenings around the grounds of Madrid. But who will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Zhizhen Zhang vs Jurij Rodionov
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Zhizhen Zhang and Jurij Rodionov will square off for the first time in Round 1 in Madrid. A win here would go a long way for both men who are currently ranked outside the Top 95. Rodionov worked his way through two qualifying rounds to enter the main draw. Those two match wins will give him confidence coming into this match. Zhang has only played five career ATP clay court matches but has found success on the surface at the Challenger and ITF levels. I expect a tightly contested battle between these two but give the lefty Austrian a slight advantage.
Prediction: Rodionov in 3
Corentin Moutet vs Yosuke Watanuki
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Corentin Moutet returns to the court after a three-month absence. The 24-year-old Frenchman last played a professional match in the second round of the Australian Open. He faces a tricky Round 1 challenge in Madrid against Yosuke Watanuki. The 25-year-old Japan native picked up two solid qualifying wins this week and holds a 4-1 clay-court record in 2023. Although Moutet is ranked 53 spots ahead of Watanuki, the Frenchman having not played in over three months is a cause for concern. I expect Moutet to have some moments of brilliance, but he does not possess the current form to beat Watanuki.
Prediction: Watanuki in 2
Marton Fucsovics vs Marco Cecchinato
Head-to-Head: Fucsovics 3-1 Cecchinato
Marton Fucsovics holds the 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Marco Cecchinato, though they have split their two meetings on the clay. Both men have solid career records on the clay, with winning percentages hovering around 50. Cecchinato reached the semifinals in Estoril earlier this month. He also worked through two qualifying rounds this week and has won five of his last six matches. Fucsovics played Taylor Fritz tough last week in Munich and has some confidence on the surface. These two should provide an entertaining and competitive battle for the Madrid fans. I favor Fucsovics’ ability to pick his spots and hit through Cecchinato when needed.
Prediction: Fucsovics in 3
Cristian Garin vs Marc-Andrea Huesler
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Cristian Garin and Marc-Andrea Huesler are separated by just three spots in the current ATP Rankings. That will show when they do battle in Round 1 in Madrid. Garin, a clay-court ringer, is just 7-6 on the surface this season. He has a terrific chance to regain some ranking points over the next six weeks. Huesler provides an intriguing matchup for the Chilean. Huesler has come into his own over the last year but has just one tour-level win when the calendar changed to the clay season. Both players are unafraid to grind and dig balls from the corners, making this match a must-watch. Ultimately, I see Garin finding a way to the finish line because I trust his consistency on the clay.
Prediction: Garin in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
