🎾 ATP Madrid: Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs Felix Auger-Aliassime

🎾 ATP Madrid: Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs Felix Auger-Aliassime

🧠 Form & Context

Felix Auger-Aliassime
🇨🇦 The Canadian started 2025 strong with titles in Adelaide and Montpellier but has since lost 5 of his last 6 matches. Entering Madrid on a three-match losing skid, FAA is searching for the form that saw him reach the final here last year—albeit with some luck via retirements and walkovers. Still, his game suits Madrid's conditions well, where the altitude and faster clay help accentuate his aggressive, first-strike tennis.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo
🇦🇷 The Argentine clay specialist is enjoying a rare surge, having won three straight matches in Madrid—including two in qualifying and a main draw victory over Kovacevic. Cerundolo thrives in long rallies and uses his topspin-heavy forehand and excellent movement to wear opponents down. While Madrid is quicker than his preferred slow clay, he’s adapted well so far and will look to extend points and test FAA’s recent fragility.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Auger-Aliassime will try to dictate with his serve and forehand, keeping points short and preventing Cerundolo from settling into rhythm. This worked well in his 2024 Madrid run, where the altitude played to his strengths. However, his recent struggles with consistency and confidence make him vulnerable, especially if his first serve percentage dips.

Cerundolo, by contrast, will be content to grind. He’ll look to disrupt FAA’s timing with loopy, high-margin groundstrokes and strategic changes of pace. The key for him will be handling FAA’s initial aggression and dragging the Canadian into longer rallies where his mental edge can waver.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3 sets
Cerundolo is a live underdog with the clay-court skills to cause trouble, but FAA’s upside—especially in Madrid’s faster conditions—gives him a narrow edge. Expect some turbulence, but the Canadian should power through if he manages his errors and stays focused under pressure.