On Sunday we’ll see the seeded players start going head-to-head in Madrid and around midday Lorenzo Musetti will take on Tallon Griekspoor, a player he has yet to defeat. Later in the evening we’re up for an interesting clash between two young stars, when Joao Fonseca faces an in-form Rafael Jodar.
Musetti vs Griekspoor
Musetti enters the contest as the sixth seed, carrying high expectations with his past success on clay surfaces. Griekspoor, the twenty-ninth seed, provides a tough challenge with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. This match is expected to be a battle of styles, with Musetti looking to use variety and spin to neutralize Griekspoor’s flat, heavy hitting.
Griekspoor won their two previous matches but they were both on hard courts and this should be a different story. The Dutchman has struggled from time to time this season and will be the clear underdog today.
Prediction: Musetti to win in 2 sets.
Fonseca vs. Jodar
Later in the evening, the spotlight shifts to a clash between two of the game’s brightest young players on the tour: Joao Fonseca and Rafael Jodar. Fonseca has gotten back to great form this season following a minor dip, entering this match as the twenty-seventh seed after a string of impressive performances on the ATP tour. He faces the local wildcard Jodar, who will have the full support of the Spanish crowd.
This match sort of represents a glimpse into the future of men’s tennis, as both players are known for their modern, high-intensity games and fearlessness on big stages. Maybe we’ll see these two in major finals in the future.
Fonseca has not yet play in Madrid as he first earned an opening bye and then got a walkover from an ill Marin Cilic. The Brazilian has shown form in the recent Masters 1000 events and hopes to build on that.
Prediction: I think Jodar has a slight advantage having already played (and played very good!) in these unique conditions in Madrid and he will like his chances today. My bet is on Jodar over three tough sets.
