A blockbuster day awaits at the ATP Madrid Open 2022 as several big names go head-to-head against each other and young hopefuls continuing their rise in the game. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our prediction for every third-round match on the slate, including Rafael Nadal vs David Goffin. But who will reach the last eight?
ATP Madrid Day 5 Predictions
Daniel Evans vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Evans 2-2 Rublev
Daniel Evans has had an okay season so far in 2022 and now takes on the red hot Andrey Rublev. The Russian is 23-5 this year with his most recent title coming in Belgrade just last week. They split the four previous meetings between them with the Russian winning the most recent one in Dubai this year.
Coming to this match up, Rublev is the clear favourite here based on his form and game style. Expect Evans to be on the defence most of the time due to the sheer brutality of the Russian’s ground strokes. Rublev did survive a scare against Jack Draper but should be much more consistent this time around.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
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Carlos Alcaraz vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 2-0 Norrie
It will take a mighty effort to stop Carlos Alcaraz when he’s in such a mood. The Spaniard has captivated the world’s attention with his super attacking play and stellar defence. Cameron Norrie has been solid himself this year notching up good week’s tournament after tournament. However, he now takes on an opponent that has already beaten him twice in two previous meetings and it’s tough to see how that will change.
The Spaniard’s game style it’s tough to handle for many especially Norrie who has a pretty short back swing and can be rushed by the pacey groundstrokes of Alcaraz. Expect the Spaniard to continue his impressive run in 2022.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
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Lorenzo Musetti vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: first meeting
Alexander Zverev is yet to show his best form this year and this week in Madrid looks unlikely the place he would do so. The German hasn’t had any momentum whatsoever in the clay-court tournaments he’s played so far and he’s ripe for an upset sooner rather than later.
Lorenzo Musetti has enjoyed his week so far in Madrid coming through qualifying and then backing that up with impressive wins over tricky opponents. What will be key for the Italian is his willingness to be aggressive because he’s going to have plenty of opportunities to do so as the German prefers to hang back and take up a defensive position in baseline rallies. Expect Zverev’s struggles in 2022 to continue.
Prediction: Musetti in 3′
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Novak Djokovic vs Andy Murray
Head-to-head: Djokovic 25-11 Murray
It’s a rivalry that needs no introduction. Novak Djokovic has faced Andy Murray a total of 36 times and yet the 37th meeting might just be the toughest to call. That being said, the Brit has only beaten the Serbian once on clay before a lot has changed since. These two haven’t played a match against each other in five years which should make this match extremely interesting to watch.
Murray has been extremely impressive so far beating the likes of Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov. The Serbian though looked very assured against Gael Monfils and the fitness issues that plagued him in Belgrade seemed to be non-existent. Expect Murray to make a good start and nab a set but as Djokovic settles into his rhythm he should be the one winning this match.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
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