Time to begin the men’s main draw action at the 2023 ATP Mutua Madrid Open. Some clay-court veterans like Albert Ramos-Vinolas or Diego Schwartzman really need some wins and confidence right now. Can they get it on Wednesday at this year’s fourth ATP 1000 event?
ATP Madrid Day 1 Predictions
Juan Pablo Varillas vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head: Hanfmann 2-0
Yannick Hanfmann qualified in great style, taking out Maximilian Marterer and Arthur Cazaux quite comfortably. The German is one of the most classic quick clay enjoyers, making both his ATP Tour finals at altitude (Gstaad and Kitzbuhel). This should give him the edge over Juan Pablo Varillas, who hasn’t been able to replicate his Golden Swing level in the next few tournaments since.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 2
Jeremy Chardy vs Hugo Gaston
Head-to-head: First meeting
We’re yet to truly know how serious this Jeremy Chardy comeback will be. In singles, he hasn’t played since Australia, and hasn’t even been that active in doubles either (just two matches in that same time frame). Hugo Gaston is not the worst option he could have drawn, even far from it. But with Chardy’s rust and lack of match practice, it’s still kinda hard to imagine him coming out on top.
Prediction: Gaston in 2
Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs Ilya Ivashka
Head-to-head: Ivashka 1-0
Albert Ramos-Vinolas has been winless since February and he seems to be declining quite rapidly. Particularly last week’s loss to Emilio Gomez in Barcelona came as a shock, because it seemed like even in this form the veteran Spaniard should be able to win that one easily. As such, Ilya Ivashka should have a very nice opportunity to advance here, especially in the faster clay conditions in Madrid. Provided Ramos-Vinolas doesn’t suddenly wake up.
Prediction: Ivashka in 3
Diego Schwartzman vs Hugo Grenier
Head-to-head: First meeting
Diego Schwartzman has been in dire form for about a year now. Even with him drawing a qualifier here, there was a high chance that it could have gotten ugly. Looks like he should be fine though as he gets Hugo Grenier, who hasn’t been on fire this year either. The Frenchman is also usually in struggle town on clay with a negative win/loss record on the dirt across all levels.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
