Day 2 at the 2022 ATP Madrid Open promises a plethora of entertaining matches. A host of top-seeded players will be in action. As always, we here at LWOT have got every match covered in our daily predictions. We split the 14 matches between four articles. In addition to this article, we have others featuring Andy Murray vs Dominic Thiem, Jannik Sinner vs Tommy Paul, and Diego Schwartzman vs Benoit Paire. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Alex De Minaur vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: First meeting
Only a supernatural performance by Carlos Alcaraz prevented Alex De Minaur from reaching his first tour-level final on clay in Barcelona. But on the face of it, De Minaur will be licking his wounds when he reflects on those multiple match points he squandered in the second set. He will have the chance to atone for that mishap at the ATP Madrid Open against one of the most improved players in 2022 so far. Pedro Martinez sits at a career-high ranking of No. 42. Over half of his 13 wins have come on clay this year, including a run to his maiden ATP title in Santiago. However, his European clay-court adventure has only been simmering rather than boiling, losing early in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona respectively. This is the kind of matchup the fast-footed Aussie should be heavily favored to win.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Maxime Cressy
Head-to-head: Cressy 1-0 Dimitrov
Since he burst onto the scene in 2013 with that rousing win over Djokovic, Grigor Dmitrov hasn’t quite managed to recreate happy memories in Madrid. The Bulgarian has exited this tournament at the first hurdle in three of his last five visits. And it is understandable that some people are entertaining the idea of a possible first-round upset when he takes on Maxime Cressy. This is such an awkward matchup for Dimitrov. He has already fallen victim to the American’s unorthodox style of play at the Melbourne Summer Set tournament. But Cressy’s record since setting foot out of Australia is hardly inspiring. He has posted just one main draw win in eight tournaments. That is a shockingly bad return for a player of his talents.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Borna Coric vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: Coric 2-2 Lajovic
It has been a bittersweet 2022 for Borna Coric. A return to Tour-level competition was on top of his wishlist at the turn of the year. But he has also been mourning the loss of former coach Kristijan Schneider who sadly passed away last month. Coric was clearly shaken by the news just before he was due to play at the Rome Challenger. The 25-year-old has showcased his talent in dribs and drabs this season, narrowly losing to the likes of Sinner and Alexander Zverev. If the Croat can maximize on his usually reliable serve and rock-solid backhand, I expect him to overwhelm Lajovic, who is having a very poor season.
Prediction: Coric in 2
Karen Khachanov vs Lucas Pouille
Head-to-head: Khachanov 3-2 Pouille
Four of the previous five meetings between these two players have gone the distance. And the onus is clearly on Lucas Pouille to repay the tournament organizers for handing him a wildcard into the main draw. Pouille’s participation at the event has generated controversy, with Fernando Verdasco voicing his criticism towards the management team for not exercising meritocracy in handing out wild cards. The spotlight couldn’t have shone any brighter towards the Frenchman. And that may just plant a seed of doubt. Khachanov could benefit from playing an unsettled opponent.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
