The ATP Madrid Open is traditionally a good litmus test for players looking to make a deep run at the French Open. With multiple top players out of this year\u2019s ATP 1000 event, there are plenty of opportunities for young stars and Top 10 veterans to make a breakthrough this fortnight. LWOT previews all the second round matches, with this set of predictions featuring Andrey Rublev.<\/p>\n
ATP Madrid Day 3 Predictions
\nBen Shelton vs Dino Prizmic<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: First meeting<\/p>\n
Shelton\u2019s fast-paced game has started to adjust to the clay courts, as he\u2019s gotten off to a great start on the dirt this year. The American hoisted a trophy last week at the ATP 500 event in Munich. Prizmic is a tough opponent for Shelton, as the young Croat similarly can overpower opponents. The Croat has three matches to his name this week in Madrid as a qualifier, and I could see him sneaking a set against the World No. 5. Shelton\u2019s big serve and mental game should be enough.
Prediction: Shelton in 3<\/p>\n
Jiri Lehecka vs Alejandro Tabilo<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: Lehecka 1-0<\/p>\n
Since reaching an ATP 1000 final in Miami<\/a>, Lehecka won two matches on clay courts and fell to Alexander Bublik in his most recent tournament in Monte Carlo. Among those two wins featured a victory over Tabilo in three sets, as Tabilo will surely look for revenge here. Tabilo is far off from his career-high ranking of No. 19, currently eyeing a jump into the Top 40. He\u2019s gradually improved his form over the past year, but Lehecka has a bigger game from all ends of the court. Cameron Norrie vs Tomas Machac<\/p>\n Head-to-head: Norrie 2-0<\/p>\n Norrie won the pair\u2019s latest meeting via retirement, and defeated Machac in four sets at the 2023 Wimbledon<\/a> Championships. The Brit has traditionally struggled on clay courts, but he\u2019s compiled a solid 3-2 record on the dirt this season. Meanwhile, Machac reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event in Barcelona earlier in April. Machac battled from behind against Francisco Comesana in his opening match here, and he\u2019ll have to steady his groundstrokes against a consistent and experienced player. Andrey Rublev vs Vit Kopriva\u00a0<\/p>\n Head-to-head: First meeting<\/p>\n
Prediction: Lehecka in 2<\/p>\n
Prediction: Norrie in 3<\/p>\n