A few of the higher seeds at the ATP Masters in Madrid haven’t been doing too hot recently and would love to find some confidence back (like Daniil Medvedev or Casper Ruud). Meanwhile, some younger players are on the verge of a breakthrough run (Federico Cina or Ethan Quinn). Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the tournament?
ATP Madrid Day 3 Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Federico Cina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Federico Cina has now earned a win in both his ATP Tour appearances so far, beating Francisco Comesana in Miami and then Coleman Wong in the opening round here. Having just turned 18, the Italian looks like one of the brighter talents of the upcoming generation. His natural shotmaking ability will be important here, but so far his weapons aren’t as potent as those of Sebastian Korda. While the American is often vulnerable to upsets, Cina might not be ready to get this win yet.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Ethan Quinn vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: First meeting
Ethan Quinn has been qualifying for every ATP Tour event played recently and now he’s also earned a main draw win. The American isn’t a natural clay-courter, but has been surviving on the surface with his rocket surface not losing any of its velocity. Stakes are high for him here as another win would put him in the lead of the USTA Roland Garros Wildcard Challenge. This is winnable with Jakub Mensik playing just one match since triumphing in Miami, but the quicker clay in Madrid was kind to the Czech and he’s a much more versatile player.
Prediction: Mensik in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: Medvedev 2-1
It’s really unclear what to expect from Daniil Medvedev right now as he was somehow playing well in conditions that don’t suit him (Indian Wells) and then fell apart completely at one of his favorite events in Miami. It’s clear that his confidence is low right now and he needs to get something going quickly, but it’s going to be difficult on a surface he doesn’t enjoy. This just seems like a flip at the moment as you’re choosing between the court preferences of Laslo Djere and the overall quality edge of Medvedev.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Casper Ruud vs Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-head: Ruud 3-0
Casper Ruud is not firing at the moment and while his base level is simply good enough to keep winning matches here or there on clay, the recent results in Monte Carlo and Barcelona just can’t be satisfactory for a player of his potential. He’ll probably get through a couple of rounds in Madrid again, especially as he’s facing an opponent even more out of form. Arthur Rinderknech came into Madrid 4-13 for the season, so even that opening win over Roman Safiullin felt like a minor surprise.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
