The clay at the ATP Madrid Open tends to reward first-strike tennis, but it still asks plenty of questions about movement and patience. Day two brings a mix of experience and rising talent, with several players trying to build momentum early in the European swing and, as always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match including Gael Monfils vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli. But who will advance?

ATP Madrid Day 2 Predictions
Marco Trungelliti vs Daniel Merida

Head-to-head: Trungelliti 2–1 Merida 

The veteran Argentine Marco Trungelliti has had a strong clay campaign overall this season, including a final appearance in Marrakech and solid challenger results that show his heavy topspin and court coverage still work well on dirt. At 36, he brings plenty of experience in big atmospheres. Merida, the 21-year-old local, looked sharp in qualifying, beating Trungelliti comfortably in their last meeting and showing good timing and confidence on home soil. Playing in front of his own crowd can give an extra lift, and his fresher legs after coming through qualies could help in a rematch so soon. This one feels like it could be competitive, but Merida’s recent win and home advantage might let him dictate more of the points again.

Prediction: Merida in 3

Cristian Garin vs Alexander Blockx

Head-to-head: Garin 1-0 Blockx 

Cristian Garin has real clay-court pedigree as a former top-20 player who knows how to construct points and use his forehand effectively on the surface. His results this year have been up and down, but he tends to find extra motivation on dirt. Arthur Blockx, the young Belgian, has been turning heads with his movement and ability to stay in long rallies during this clay stretch. He brings fresh confidence and no fear against more experienced opponents. It should be a tight battle where Garin’s know-how and slightly sharper return could make the difference in the deciding moments.

Prediction: Garin in 3

Martin Landaluce vs Adam Walton

Head-to-Head: first meeting

Martin Landaluce is a promising young Spaniard who has been putting together encouraging results in challengers on clay and clearly enjoys the slower conditions here. His movement and forehand allow him to open up the court well. Adam Walton, the Australian, has shown flashes this season but his game suits faster surfaces more, and he hasn’t found the same rhythm or comfort when rallies get extended on clay. Landaluce should be able to control the tempo and wear him down.

Prediction: Landaluce in 2

Sebastian Baez vs Vilius Gaubas

Head-to-head: Baez 1-0 Gaubas 

Sebastian Baez remains one of the most consistent clay-court specialists on the ATP Tour at the moment, with excellent footwork, a solid backhand, and the patience to grind out points from the baseline. Vilius Gaubas, meanwhile, has talent and can hit cleanly, but he’s still getting used to the physical demands of facing top grinders over long exchanges. Baez’s earlier win over him on clay highlighted how he can neutralize power and force mistakes. He should be able to take control of most rallies here.

Prediction: Baez in 2

Main photo creidt: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images