Rafael Nadal faces a blockbuster opening match in Madrid against fast-rising Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Second-round action also includes Juan Martin Del Potro, who returns from injury to meet Laslo Djere.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. (2) Rafael Nadal
Nadal and Auger-Aliassime will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they clash in round two of the Mutua Madrid Open on Wednesday afternoon. This marks Nadal’s third clay-court of the season and amazingly enough he is still seeking his first title. The second-ranked Spaniard skipped Miami after suffering a knee injury in Indian Wells and then lost in the semifinals at both the Monte-Carlo Master (to Fabio Fognini) and the Barcelona Open (to Dominic Thiem).
Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, is riding incredible momentum. The 18-year-old Canadian has soared to No. 30 in the word thanks to a runner-up finish in Rio de Janeiro, a third-round performance in Indian Wells, and a semifinal run in Miami. Auger-Aliassime has already earned 17 of his 23 career ATP-level match victories in 2019, most recently getting the best of good friend Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 7-6(7) on Sunday. Still, a first-ever matchup with Nadal is not easy–especially not on clay and in Spain.
Pick: Nadal in 2
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Laslo Djere vs. (7) Juan Martin Del Potro
Del Potro is set for his second tournament of the year, having previous played only in Delray Beach–where he beat Yoshihito Nishioka and Reilly Opelka before falling to Mackenzie McDonald in an injury-plagued three-setter. The eighth-ranked Argentine actually returned from a knee problem earlier this week and showed some encouraging signs while winning a doubles match with Kei Nishikori. But singles may be a different proposition in Madrid, where Del Potro is 15-7 lifetime with two semifinal appearances.
Up first for the seventh seed on Wednesday is Djere, whom he has never faced. The 23-year-old Serb is enjoying a breakout campaign on the pro tour that has him up to 32nd in the rankings. Djere is 13-9 at the ATP level in 2019 with a 500-point title in Rio de Janeiro, a semifinal showing in Sao Paulo, and another semifinal run last week in Budapest. He maintained his fine form on Monday by beating Monte-Carlo runner-up Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 6-4. This is a tough test for a rusty Del Potro, and perhaps one that will be too tough to pass.
Pick: Djere in 3
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FAA was very impressive against Shapo. He can hit with depth and power, and he moves very well on the clay. Nadal is not at his best, is probably carrying an injury, and is recovering from a stomach bug. He is also a bit uncomfortable playing players for the first time. I think Felix will get at least a set and wouldn’t be surprised to see the upset. Nadal in a tough 3.
Rafa in 2
In my bracket I picked Delpo to win a couple matches. But looking at how little Delpo has played vs the successful year Laslo is having. I think I agree with Ricky. Djere in 3. Tough one to pick. I like both players very much 🙂
Rafa and JMDP, both in 3. Rafa’s not at his best …. yet. Frankly I’ll be happy if he gets out of Madrid without yet another injury following his stomach virus.
JMDP has got to be rusty but I’ll back him against Djere.
I had Lajovic (what happened to his form) , but agree about Djere.
Then again, I didn’t see out of form Khach beating in form Munar, ditto Cilic over Struff, so probably best to go with Delpo .
hahahaa yeah my bracket picks are mostly losing in Madrid. Seems I’ve been bad in Madrid a lot of years.
Finally I give in and pick Medvedev in a clay bracket and he loses.
I had Med losing to Nishi.He’s got a good game for Madrid,but (very)tricky first rounder
tough draw against Djere. that isn’t a bad loss. Plus, inevitable dip after MC.
FAA will win
only if Nads less than 100
I think Rafa was less than 100 but F2A isn’t ready for the King of Clay. Yet. Maybe next year.
Is Rafa EVER again going to serve out a match? Nothin’ but drama lately.
Ramara,
I have been wondering the same thing regarding Rafa being able to serve out a match! He was fortunate being up two breaks, so he could afford to lose one. But I would really like to see him be able to close out a match efficiently.
huge delpo fan im really happy that hes back def gona be a tough match against an inform young talent , but I think delpo will grind a atleast 1 win out this tournament at worst. probably will be in 3 he will slice his way till he finds his forehand and will probably problem solve better that dejere. and hes powerfull serve will win him many free points . so happy to c my favorite player back healthy, hopefully he stay that way . delpo in 3!!!
Just when Rafa gets a chance to meet Federer on clay again- Djokovic, Thiem, and Monfils get thrown into Fed’s draw. Fed facing Novak on clay goes without saying. Thiem is clearly more than capable of wiping the floor with Fed on clay (and beat Fed in his last clay match). And Monfils has just been a bad matchup for Fed on clay in their most recent head to head. I understand that Madrid plays quick enough that Fed is obviously capable of beating all 3 of those guys to make the Final. But I wouldn’t count on Fed to beat all 3 of them, in his first clay tournament in years, to likely meet Rafa in the Final. Just something I was thinking about.
Although I did just remember that Monfils was actually the last person who Federer beat at Roland Garros, so maybe I shouldn’t say that Monfils has “had his number” on clay in recent years… He did, however, destroy Fed on clay in davis cup on clay in 2014, and then beat him a few months later on Monte Carlo.
Well done Ricky!