The second week of the ATP Madrid Open is now well underway, with eight exciting third-round matches scheduled for Monday. Among the big names features none other than Rafael Nadal; he’ll look to take out Pedro Cachin, who recently upset Frances Tiafoe on Saturday. LWOT predicts four of the third-round matches below, and four in a separate article.
ATP Madrid Day 6 Predictions
Alexander Bublik vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: 1-0 Bublik
Bublik won his opening match in Madrid in a bizarre three-setter against Roberto Carballes Beana, snapping a three-match losing streak in the process. Meanwhile, the World No. 15 Ben Shelton is steadily becoming more confident on the clay, winning his first ATP-tour level title on clay in Houston this year. Shelton also won his opening match 6-0 6-2 against Tomas Machac, suggesting that his confidence is sky-high at the moment. It’s hard to ever rule out Bublik, but Shelton’s consistency will make him the favorite in this one.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Jiri Lehecka vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-head: Lehecka 2-0
This should be a fascinating encounter, with Monteiro playing four more matches than Lehecka at this tournament already as a qualifier. Monteiro played some of the best tennis of his life on Saturday, stunning Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-4 in the second round. His forehand is powerful and dangerous when consistent, and he can move flawlessly on the clay. Lehecka won his opening match in straight sets, but he’s still getting used to playing on clay this year; he’s dealt with a back injury that forced him to pull out of clay court tournaments. Look for the qualifier to continue his inspiring run on Monday.
Prediction: Monteiro in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: 2-2
The pair will renew their mini rivalry early in the day on Monday, with this match being their first meeting on clay courts. Medvedev won their last meeting at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open, winning 6-4 5-7 6-3. Notably, Korda can push Medvedev on hard courts, a surface that Medvedev thrives on. On clay courts, Korda may have even more of a chance to pull off the upset. Medvedev struggled in his opening Madrid match against Matteo Arnaldi, while Korda cruised past Max Purcell in straight sets on Saturday. However, Korda has struggled to bring his best against the top players this season — since last October, he’s 0-9 against Top 20 players. Korda’s clay court abilities won’t likely be enough against Medvedev in the end.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Rafael Nadal vs Pedro Cachin
Head-to-head: 2-2
It’s every tennis player’s dream to play Rafael Nadal on clay. But for Pedro Cachin, he’ll look to pull off a big upset on Manolo Santana against the king of clay. Cachin, a clay-court specialist, snapped a 15-match losing streak earlier this tournament and then stunned World No. 21 Frances Tiafoe in three sets. Meanwhile, Nadal looked closer to his best after he took out Alex de Minaur 7-6 (6) 6-3 in the second round. It’ll be interesting to see how Nadal holds up physically in now his third tournament match, but he should be the overwhelming favorite. Cachin will have to tire out Nadal and create as many long rallies as possible on Monday.
Prediction: Nadal in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
