🎾 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.

🎾 ATP Madrid R1: Corentin Moutet vs Harold Mayot

🎾 ATP Madrid R1: Corentin Moutet vs Harold Mayot – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇫🇷 Corentin Moutet

• Clay court slump: Has lost four of his last five clay-court main draws, often collapsing after taking the first set.
• Hard court edge: His best 2025 results have come off clay, where his shot-making has looked sharper and more confident.
• Madrid struggles: Lost in the first round here in 2023 and 2024—still seeking his first main-draw win at the Caja Mágica.
• Under pressure: Expectations are high, but his recent form suggests fragile confidence heading into this all-French clash.

🇫🇷 Harold Mayot

• Qualifier momentum: Beat Shevchenko and Boyer in straights to make his Madrid Masters debut—showing focus and composure.
• Limited ATP success: Has not won a main-draw match at tour level since Atlanta 2024; 0–2 in Masters main draws overall.
• Nothing to lose: A low-pressure scenario where he can swing freely and capitalize on Moutet’s inconsistency.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Moutet is the more experienced and creative player, with a knack for disrupting rhythm using drop shots, lefty angles, and flair. But he’s vulnerable mentally, often fading after strong starts—something that Mayot could exploit if he stays solid from the baseline.

Mayot has looked composed through qualifying and will be looking to stretch rallies and wait for Moutet to implode. However, his lack of experience at this level on clay could be a major factor, especially if Moutet starts strong.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Corentin Moutet in 3 sets

Moutet’s form doesn’t inspire confidence, but his experience, variety, and ability to control tempo might just be enough to scrape through a shaky battle.