Day 7 of the ATP Masters in Madrid will see the entire Round of 16, chock full of exciting matchups. Aslan Karatsev was Daniil Medvedev’s opponent in the famous match in Rome, where the 2021 US Open champion complained about the surface a lot. They’re meeting again and it’s actually the older of the Russians who leads the head-to-head 3-1. Can Karatsev post another victory over his more accomplished countryman? We also look at the rest of the day’s matches.
ATP Madrid Day 7 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: 3-3
We’ve just recently seen this one in Monte Carlo where Andrey Rublev prevailed 7-6 6-2, although it could have been much closer. Historically, Karen Khachanov has never performed well in Madrid, which kind of doesn’t make sense. Rublev has been winning so many matches this clay season that he’s bound to come into this one with a lot of confidence, but it probably won’t be an easy match again.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Borna Coric vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 1-0
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is slowly specializing in these deep runs at ATP 1000 events after last year’s Monte Carlo and the recent showing in Indian Wells. The Spaniard scored an amazing win over Holger Rune in the third round and has been shining with the help of the home crowd. It’s a nice run for Borna Coric after his recent struggles, but their dispositions this year don’t really compare.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Pedro Cachin
Head-to-head: First meeting
What a chance for both players. Jan-Lennard Struff entered this event as a lucky loser and is now seeking his 2nd consecutive ATP 1000 QF (and he only has two to his name so far). Pedro Cachin found his mojo in recent weeks and the faster clay conditions in Madrid suit him well too, especially with the underrated serve. This should be fun. Struff’s game is more conventionally big and he does have a higher upside.
Prediction: Struff in 3
Aslan Karatsev vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: Karatsev 3-1
Daniil Medvedev won when he played Aslan Karatsev on grass last year, but threw a big fit in their only clay-court meeting in Rome two seasons back. The 27-year-old is capable of fighting through his issues on clay and that’s exactly what he’s been doing thus far. Karatsev is on fire though and seems to be really channelling his 2020/2021 form. If he can keep that up, it could be enough for Medvedev on the dirt.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
