Day 4 at the ATP Madrid Masters 1000 will see the conclusion of the second round, and every remaining seed will play their first match. This event is missing both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but there’s still plenty of action on tap for Saturday. As always, we share our thoughts on the matches. We split Saturday’s matches between four articles. One features Daniil Medvedev vs Andrea Vavassori, the second headlines Cameron Norrie vs Yosuke Watanuki, and the third features Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Dusan Lajovic. Who do you think will win?
ATP Madrid Day 4 Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Roman Safiullin
Aside from a breakout stretch to start the 2022 season, Safiullin has been a journeyman his entire career. His American opponent, meanwhile, is quietly playing the best tennis of his career. Neither of these men particularly loves clay, but neither is weak enough on it that it’s an advantage. So Paul’s talent should be enough to carry the day.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Alex de Minaur vs Marco Cecchinato
Cecchinato had an incredible run to the French Open semifinals in 2018, taking out Djokovic in the process, but hasn’t been at those levels since. Still, he’s great on clay, while de Minaur hasn’t been at his best in a few months. An upset is possible here.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 3
Alsan Karatsev vs Botic van de Zandschulp
In a continuing trend with these matches, Karatsev had a huge breakout back in 2021, but hasn’t sustained those levels. Then again, the same was true of his Dutch opponent for much of last year. Still, Karatsev has been playing better recently, if not by much. Should be a fun match between similar players with go-big-or-go-home styles.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
Dominic Thiem vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Thiem might finally be showing some improvement in his long, slow comeback to the top of tennis, but he’s nowhere near there yet. Tsitsipas, meanwhile, might not be an absolute elite, but he’s at least the closest to it outside of the Djokovic/Nadal/Alcaraz trio. Currently, he has Thiem outclassed.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
