The ATP Mutua Madrid Open is a historic Masters tournament played on the clay courts in Madrid, Spain. First-round action will begin on Day 1, and multiple Spanish players will be in action. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 1 Predictions
Christopher O’Connell vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Camilo Ugo Carabelli has played at a high level this year, especially on clay and is sitting on his career high ranking of 59. This will be his first main draw appearance at the Madrid Masters, and he will hope to make a winning start. However, Madrid’s courts don’t play like usual clay courts due to the high altitude, which can affect Carabelli’s rhythm. These courts should suit Christopher O’Connell’s game style as he likes pace on the ball. The Australian player lost a close match to Luciano Darderi last week in Munich and will look to bounce back from that defeat. This should be a close contest, but I am going with O’Connell.
Prediction: O’Connell in 3
Pedro Martinez vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Despite being played on his home soil, Pedro Martinez has never won a match at the Madrid Masters. His failures must have been influenced by the fact that the conditions here are different from those found in a typical clay court tournament. However, he would back himself to get his first win here against Francisco Comesana, who will play the main draw for the first time. Martinez will have the crowd support, and that should help him play his best tennis.
Prediction: Martinez in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-Head: Bautista Agut 2-1 Munar
Roberto Bautista Agut will make his 11th appearance in the main draw of the Madrid Masters, and the crowd will be cheering for him with all their heart. He is not at his best anymore, but should be motivated to perform in front of so much support. Statistically, clay has been the least successful surface for Bautista Agut and Jaume Munar, who played some great tennis this season, would be the favourite heading into this match. Munar’s younger legs and aggression should give him the edge in rallies. In the battle of Spaniards, I am favouring the younger one to win.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Corentin Moutet vs Harold Mayot
An all-French first round clash, Moutet is a pedestrian 7-9 on the year, Mayot came through qualifying in some form but has failed to win an ATP level main draw match this season, Moutet has a bit more upside to his game, so he should be a slight favorite.
Prediction: Moutet in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
