The ATP Madrid Masters 1000 tournament is into Day 4, with Round of 64 action set to conclude. Top seeds are in action, including Alexander Zverev vs Mariano Navone. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all the scheduled matches for you. But who will advance?
ATP Madrid Day 4 Predictions
Alexander Blockx vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head – Blockx 0-1 Nakashima
This is an intriguing matchup, with Brandon Nakashima arriving without much form and still searching for rhythm. Clay is also his most challenging surface, where he often struggles to hit through the court and finish points cleanly. Alexander Blockx, on the other hand, has shown some encouraging signs on clay recently, including solid performances in Monte Carlo, and looks more comfortable constructing points on the dirt.
The Belgian should lean heavily on his serve for cheap points, but he’s also capable from the baseline of making this physical for Nakashima. If Blockx maintains a solid level in longer exchanges, he has a real chance here. Expect a competitive battle, with Blockx having the edge in these conditions.
Prediction: Blockx in 3
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo vs Learner Tien
Head-to-head – First Meeting
It’ll be fascinating to see how Learner Tien handles this part of the season, as the American has already outperformed expectations early in his career, including picking up a title. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo comes in full of confidence after one of the biggest wins of his life, dismissing Grigor Dimitrov in a surprisingly one-sided result.
Vallejo should carry that momentum and stay competitive, especially if he can be aggressive early on in the rallies. Still, Tien looks the more established player at this level, with the ability to spread the court nicely and back it up with superior defence. Expect a tight two-setter.
Prediction: Tien in 2
Francisco Cerundolo vs Yannick Hanfmann
Head-to-head – Cerundolo 4-2 Hanfmann
This one is extremely tight to call. Francisco Cerundolo arrives after a disappointing Munich quarterfinal loss to Alexander Zverev. He now faces Yannick Hanfmann, who trails the head-to-head 2–4 but did beat Cerundolo earlier this year in Santiago.
Both are highly competent on clay, so this should stay close deep into sets. Hanfmann backed up his level with a serving masterclass in round one, and that plays well in the slightly quicker Madrid conditions. Expect Hanfmann to land the upset, provided he does not get tired, with Cerundolo potentially finding it tough to adjust to the extra speed on these courts.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head – First Meeting
Another intriguing match on our hands. Alexander Zverev will look to put his Munich semifinal exit behind him and reset here, especially in a draw that’s opened up with several top names withdrawing. It’s a prime chance for the German to build momentum ahead of Roland Garros.
His opener is tricky on paper against the dangerous Mariano Navone, fresh off a title in Bucharest and full of confidence on clay. Still, Zverev should be able to assert himself early with his serve and first-strike patterns, using his weight of shot to penetrate the court more consistently than Navone can. Expect Zverev to start strongly and come through.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
