The ATP Masters 1000 Madrid first round on April 23 features a mix of emerging players and experienced names. Alexander Blockx’s strong recent form makes him a slight favourite. Alexander Shevchenko could take advantage of Jaume Munar’s lack of match fitness, while Camilo Ugo Carabelli’s clay-court consistency gives him the edge over Gael Monfils.
ATP Masters 1000 Madrid 1/64-Finals
Garin – Blockx: 23.04.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Christian Garin has won three of his last five matches. This week in Madrid, Garin failed to qualify for the main draw of the tournament. However, with several players withdrawing from the tournament, he entered the main draw as a lucky loser.
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, Blockx is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Garin struggled in the qualifying tournament. 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 @1.50 @bet365
Munar – Shevchenko: 23.04.2026 12:30 CEST
H2H: 2-0
Jaume Munar has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Barcelona, Munar lost to Jodar in the opening round in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, the Spaniard lost to Bautista-Agut in the opening round in three sets.
Alexander Shevchenko has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Munich, Shevchenko lost to Dedura in the qualifying tournament. Last season in Madrid, the Kazakh lost in the qualifying tournament.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Shevchenko is the slight underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Munar suffered an injury and has played only one match since February. Jodar demolished him in the opening round. Shevchenko is a solid clay-court player, and we expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Shevchenko covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Shevchenko +2.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Ugo Carabelli – Monfils: 23.04.2026 16:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Camilo Ugo Carabelli has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Barcelona, the Argentine lost to Jodar in the second round in straight sets. Last season in Madrid, Ugo Carabelli lost to O’Connell in the opening round in straight sets.
Gael Monfils has lost three of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Monte Carlo, where he lost to Bublik in the second round. This is his fourteenth appearance in Madrid. Last season in Madrid, the Frenchman withdrew from the second round against Rublev.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Ugo Carabelli is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. The Argentine had his best results on clay and had a decent success at the Challenger Tour. We expect Ugo Carabelli to be a better player.
That being said, Ugo Carabelli winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Camilo Ugo Carabelli winning @1.57 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
