Former Madrid Open champion Alexander Zverev will try to extend his run in the Spanish capital against Francisco Cerundolo, who is playing well.
Cerundolo is a very streaky player who is capable of playing devastating tennis. The Argentine has definitely proved it this week with some amazing performances, but it will be very tough against the German, as he is generally very solid, especially in Madrid.
Cerundolo can be streaky, while Zverev is quite stable, and that's going to determine how this match goes. If the former world no. 2 proves to be the wall he can be and if he brings his serve in the way he can, then the 25-year-old will have a tough time.
They have never played against each other, but Zverev is highly favored in this matchup. The fact it's played in Madrid certainly contributes to that because he has won this tournament in the past and has generally played really well at this ATP Masters 1000 event.
His serve is a major weapon, and it's impossible to break him down with the way he's capable of covering the court. His tennis on the clay has been far from good, so he certainly needs an injection of confidence, and a good run at La Caja Magica would certainly do him good.
| Alexander Zverev | Francisco Cerundolo | |
| 0 | H2H | 0 |
| 5 | Rank | 22 |
| 27 | Age | 25 |
| 22-8 | 2024 W/L | 11-12 |
| 416-185 | Career W/L | 78-70 |
Taking Zverev's history at the event into account when looking at this matchup is important. He's been really good in Madrid, even if he hadn't had good years before the event. I think he'll find something special this week and possibly go all the way.
The level Cerundolo has shown over the past week has been quite impressive, and he's certainly turning the page on the season. However, I think this will be a bit too much for him. I don't like his chances of keeping calm under pressure.
Predicton: Alexander Zverev to win in two sets.