The ATP Masters 1000 Madrid first round continues with several evenly matched contests where experience and surface preference could be key. Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Miomir Kecmanovic both hold slight edges based on past performances and familiarity with conditions. At the same time, Marin Cilic’s experience at this level could prove decisive in a tight clash against Zizou Bergs.
ATP Masters 1000 Madrid 1/64-Finals
Altmaier – Cerundolo J.M: Time TBA
H2H: 3-2
Daniel Altmaier has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Altmaier lost to Molcan in the second round in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, the German lost to Jarry in the opening round in straight sets.
Juan Manuel Cerundolo has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Barcelona, the Argentine lost to Nakashima in the opening round in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, Cerundolo lost to Medvedev in the third round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Cerundolo is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He had a solid run in Madrid last season and enjoys playing on clay. Two months ago in Buenos Aires, Cerundolo demolished Altmaier in the opening match in straight sets. We expect a similar outcome.
That being said, Juan Manuel Cerundolo winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Juan Manuel Cerundolo winning @1.67 @bet365
Atmane – Kecmanovic: Time TBA
H2H: 0-1
Terence Atmane has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Barcelona, the Frenchman lost to Fils in the opening round, three tight sets to two. Atmane has never made it past the qualifying tournament here.
Miomir Kecmanovic has lost four straight matches. Last week in Munich, Kecmanovic lost to Zverev in the opening round, three tight sets to two. Last season in Madrid, the Serb lost to Sonego in the opening round. He has never made it past the second round here.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Kecmanovic is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Around two months ago in Acapulco, Kecmanovic easily defeated Atmane in straight sets. He has more experience at the Masters 1000 level, especially in Madrid.
That being said, Kecmanovic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Miomir Kecmanovic winning @1.57 @bet365
Bergs – Cilic: 22.04.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Zizou Bergs has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Bergs lost to Cobolli in the second round in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, the Belgian lost to Diallo in the opening round in straight sets.
Marin Cilic has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Cilic lost to Altmaier in the opening round in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, Cilic lost to Bonzi in the opening round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be an almost 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Cilic has more experience at the Masters 1000 level. Bergs has never made it past the opening round in Madrid. We expect Cilic to be a better player.
That being said, Cilic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic winning @1.91 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
