Thursday means it’s time for the 16 first-round matches in the top half of the men’s singles draw at the ATP Madrid Open. A fair few veterans clawed their way into the event with several in action on what promises to be an entertaining day of tennis. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Rafael Nadal vs Darwin Blanch and Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event?
ATP Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Marcos Giron vs Max Purcell
Head-to-head: Giron 1-0 Purcell
Two players who would never call clay their favorite surface, but there seems to be a major difference. Since last year Marcos Giron has majorly improved his game on the dirt and has actually been outgrinding a fair few players. Meanwhile, Max Purcell’s unique big serve/slice defense style hasn’t experienced the same success. Along with the Australian’s horrible form in the first few months of the season, Giron looks like a pretty big favorite here.
Prediction: Giron in 2
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Yannick Hanfmann vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: Hanfmann 1-0 Mensik
Yannick Hanfmann was on top of his game during this part of the season in 2023 and even managed to upset Lorenzo Musetti at this event. The German’s form has gone off the boil since and he still hasn’t recovered it. For Jakub Mensik, the main question is his fitness as the young Czech pulled out of a few events after Miami and will be playing his first clay match of the season. But if the young Czech is healthy, he should be able to take advantage of a pleasant draw here.
Prediction: Mensik in 3
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Head-to-head: first meeting
Roberto Bautista Agut has raised his game a little in the past few weeks, but had to grab a lucky loser spot here after Albert Ramos-Vinolas defeated him in the final qualifying round. The 2014 semifinalist has generally enjoyed the conditions here over the years and while he might be past his prime, it’s not like Daniel Elahi Galan is beating everyone around him at the moment. The veteran might have a bit more left in store with his quiet professionalism and steady excellence.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
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Richard Gasquet vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: Gasquet 1-1 Sonego
Richard Gasquet qualified for an ATP 1000 event for the sixth time in his career, 22 years after doing it in Monte Carlo in 2022 and becoming the youngest-ever match winner at this level. What a career it’s been and while the Frenchman has been looking one step away from retirement on some occasions this year, his qualifying wins over Stefano Napolitano and Duje Ajdukovic were high-quality. Lorenzo Sonego is the slight favorite here, but don’t underestimate the living legend!
Prediction: Sonego in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
