ATP Masters in Madrid, 1st Round, Tuesday, 03.05.2022
It’s that time again: The Masters title will be awarded in Madrid, the entire world elite has travelled here! Shortly before the French Open, some want to play themselves into the focus, this also applies to one or the other veteran.
The Spaniards also have high expectations, after all, they are playing in front of their own audience. Read my Cilic Ramos tip to find out why I think the fans have to say goodbye to their first hope!
It is definitely a duel of the veterans that this 1st round in Madrid brings us. Albert Ramos, 34 years old, will meet 33-year-old Marin Cilic. Although Spaniards tend to enjoy playing on clay, the Mutua Open is not exactly Ramos’ favourite tournament.
So far, he has always been eliminated before reaching the round of 16, although he has only failed twice directly in round 1. With Diego Schwartzman and Federico Delbonis, both opponents came from Argentina, but at least he will be spared that this time.
Ramos competed in Estoril in the last few days and reached the semi-finals. But I wouldn’t put too much weight on this result, because he needed three sets three times and none of his opponents was on his level.
Five of his last seven victories on the ATP Tour came after three sets, so he is not known for quick results. The results of the 43rd ranked player in the world in 2022 read rather mixed, victories against really strong opponents are scarce.
But he knows exactly how to perform against Marin Cilic. The two have already met nine times and the Croatian leads 6-3 here. The two duels that went to Cilic last year should encourage him.
On clay, by the way, the score is 1-1, although these encounters also took place in 2012 and 2017.
Cilic certainly knows his way around the Spanish capital, having competed here 14 years ago. He is now competing again for the first time after 2019 and would love to set the best tournament result.
After all, that’s what he managed to do at the most recent participation, when he was unable to play his quarter-final against Novak Djokovic due to injury. Cilic actually loves the green grass, but he will have to wait a little longer for that.
Moreover, he will not bring his absolute top form to Madrid. In Estoril he lost directly to Sebastian Baez, and in Monte Carlo, Indian Wells and Miami he only won twice.
Since the Australian Open, the 1.98m man has not managed to celebrate three victories at a tournament. What has been particularly noticeable in recent months is that he has produced far too many double faults.
My Cilic Ramos Tip
Albert Ramos or Marin Cilic, which of these two currently has the better form? I couldn’t see the top performances from either of them in my analysis, plus Madrid doesn’t seem to be the absolute favourite tournament
For this reason, I see the Croat slightly ahead, but expect a very close match overall.
My tip: Cilic wins against Ramos!
