The ATP Masters 1000 Madrid first round continues with a mix of experience and emerging talent. Alejandro Tabilo’s clay-court ability makes him a solid favourite; Alexander Blockx’s recent rise gives him an edge in a balanced matchup. At the same time, Zhizhen Zhang’s suitability to Madrid conditions could prove decisive in his clash against Vit Kopriva.
ATP Masters 1000 Madrid 1/64-Finals
Tabilo – Royer: 22.04.2026 17:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Alejandro Tabilo has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Tabilo lost to Fonseca in the opening match in straight sets. He has never made it past the opening round here.
Valentin Royer has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Oeiras, Royer lost to Safiullin in the final. Last season in Madrid, Royer failed to qualify for the main draw tournament. This is his debut campaign in the main draw.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Tabilo is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He had a decent run last week in Oeiras. Royer has almost no experience at the Masters 1000 level. On the other hand, Tabilo is a prominent top 50 player and enjoys playing on clay.
That being said, Tabilo covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alejandro Tabilo -2.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Van de Zandschulp – Blockx: Time TBA
H2H: first meeting
Botic van de Zandschulp has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, the Dutchman lost to Cerundolo in the second round in straight sets. He has never made it past the second round in Madrid.
Alexander Blockx has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Blockx lost to Shelton in the second round in straight sets. This is his debut campaign in Madrid. Around this time last season, the Belgian played at the Challenger Tour.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be an almost 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Van de Zandschulp lost to Cerundolo 0-6, 3-6 last week under similar conditions. On the other hand, Blockx is having his breakthrough season. We expect him to be a better player.
That being said, Blockx winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Blockx winning @1.73 @bet365
Zhang – Kopriva: 22.04.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Zhizhen Zhang has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Zhang lost to Darderi in the opening match in three sets. He was the quarterfinalist here in 2023.
Vit Kopriva has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Kopriva lost to Cobolli in the quarterfinals in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, Kopriva lost to Griekspoor in the opening round in straight sets. He has never made it past the opening round here.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 matchup, but we disagree. Zhang is a better player under these conditions. He plays well in Madrid, and fast clay courts suit his style perfectly. We expect him to win.
That being said, Zhang winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Zhizhen Zhang winning @2.00 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
