🎾 ATP Madrid: Francisco Cerúndolo vs Harold Mayot

🎾 ATP Madrid: Francisco Cerúndolo vs Harold Mayot

🧠 Form & Context

Francisco Cerúndolo
🇦🇷 The Argentine has quietly built one of the more consistent 2025 campaigns on tour. He’s reached the quarterfinals or better in 6 of his 9 tournaments this year, including a semifinal showing in Munich, where he pushed Ben Shelton to three sets. Last year, Madrid was his coming-out party at the Masters level, as he took out Tommy Paul and Alexander Zverev en route to the quarterfinals. He returns this week in great form, confident in his ability to defend those points and potentially go even further.

Harold Mayot
🇫🇷 The Frenchman is enjoying a breakthrough moment in Madrid. After qualifying with solid wins over Alexander Shevchenko and Mathys Erhard, he advanced to the second round after Corentin Moutet retired in their opener. It’s his first Masters 1000 main-draw win, but he’s 0–8 in career matches vs Top 50 opponents and has never taken a set in those encounters. While crafty and quick, Mayot lacks the weapons that typically trouble elite clay-courters like Cerúndolo.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Cerúndolo is a polished clay specialist—his heavy topspin, composure in long rallies, and court positioning are tailor-made for altitude clay like Madrid’s. He’s shown he can handle both big hitters and tricky disruptors, and his recent performances suggest he’s only growing more confident.

Mayot’s best route is to vary the tempo and look for surprise moves—drop shots, early backhand takes, and net rushes—but Cerúndolo has the patience and defensive tools to handle that. This match marks a significant step up in opposition for Mayot, and unless the Argentine is flat, it’s a steep mountain to climb.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Cerúndolo in straight sets
Cerúndolo should dominate the tempo and rhythm, especially in the second set once he adjusts to Mayot’s pace changes. Expect a professional, composed performance from the Argentine as he continues his strong clay campaign.