After the WTA event in Madrid already began its main draw action on Tuesday, it’s now time for the men to join the party. Federico Cina and Coleman Wong meet in an all-wildcard clash, while Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will try to break his losing streak against clay specialist Mariano Navone. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the tournament? We have predictions for every ATP Madrid Open match.
ATP Madrid Day 1 Predictions
Dusan Lajovic vs Ethan Quinn
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ethan Quinn has now qualified for four consecutive ATP Tour events – Indian Wells, Miami, Barcelona, Madrid. He hasn’t been able to pick up any wins in main draws, but it’s a good effort and the American has made a big leap this season already. Maybe this could be where he makes a bit more impact as Dusan Lajovic was forced to retire in Oeiras last week. Quinn needs to control himself though and not overplay that monstrous forehand.
Prediction: Quinn in 3
Federico Cina vs Coleman Wong
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be a nice battle between the two IMG wildcards. Coleman Wong hasn’t played since getting a massive win over Ben Shelton in Miami and it remains to be seen if this breakthrough will be long-lasting. The Hong Kong native has some great weaponry, but it’s tough to be consistent with his playing style. Federico Cina’s game has more natural smoothness to it and while his weight of shot isn’t looking elite so far, it’s probably not going to hurt him in this particular matchup.
Prediction: Cina in 3
Roman Safiullin vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Safiullin 2-0
Neither player has been setting the world on fire this year, but Arthur Rinderknech is just straight-up having a nightmare with a 4-13 record. At this rate it won’t be long until his ranking starts dropping, unless he can do something about that. Roman Safiullin seems like a winnable opponent, but then again the quick conditions suit him and he just made the semifinals in Oeiras, losing to a spectacular showing from Elmer Moller. It’s tough to back Rinderknech at the moment with how low on confidence he must be.
Prediction: Safiullin in 2
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: Mpetshi Perricard 1-0
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard hasn’t won a set in four matches, but it’s not all that bad with the Frenchman just running into some difficult opponents – in-form Tallon Griekspoor or Hamad Medjedovic and twice his nemesis Jordan Thompson. Perhaps this will be an opportunity to bounce back. Even with how good Mariano Navone is on clay, handling the Mpetshi Perricard serve at 700m altitude could be a nightmare. The extreme contrast of styles makes this match all the more interesting.
Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
