With Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Mutua Madrid Open, Jannik Sinner has ascended to the top seed for the first time at an ATP Masters 1000 event. The Italian prodigy, who has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity to close the gap on Djokovic in the race for the world No. 1 ranking.
Sinner’s campaign begins against compatriot Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier. The Australian Open champion boasts an impressive 25-2 record this year and will be determined to continue his momentum in Madrid. Among his potential challengers in the quarter are Barcelona champion Casper Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov, Karen Khachanov, and 17-year-old wild card Joao Fonseca.
In the second quarter, Stefanos Tsitsipas stands as the in-form player. The Greek has won his first 10 matches on European clay this season, including a third Monte Carlo crown. He will be looking to bounce back from his recent defeat to Ruud in Barcelona.
Rafael Nadal, the home favorite, will face a daunting challenge against 16-year-old Darwin Blanch. The American made his tour-level debut in Miami and will be relishing the opportunity to test himself against the legendary Spaniard. Nadal, who has won the Madrid Open five times, will be aiming to extend his dominance on the Caja Magica clay.
In the third quarter, Alexander Zverev, Hubert Hurkacz, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul will battle for a place in the semifinals. Zverev, a two-time winner in Madrid, could face 2023 semifinalist Borna Coric in his opening match.
The fourth quarter features the return of reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz. The world No. 3 has yet to play on red dirt this spring due to injury but will be eager to defend his title. He will face Arthur Rinderknech or Alexander Shevchenko in his first match.
Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, and Ugo Humbert are among the potential challengers in Alcaraz’s quarter. However, last year’s runner-up, Jan-Lennard Struff, who recently won his first ATP title in Munich, should not be overlooked.
