Madrid Open 2024: Daniil Medvedev vs Matteo Arnaldi preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (3) Daniil Medvedev vs Matteo Arnaldi
Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: TBD
Tournament: Mutua Madrid Open
Round: Second Round (Round of 64)
Venue: La Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Clay (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $7,877,020
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Daniil Medvedev vs Matteo Arnaldi preview
Third seed Daniil Medvedev is slated to kick off his campaign in Madrid against Italian youngster Matteo Arnaldi in the second round on Saturday, April 27.
Medvedev reached the finals of the Australian Open to start his 2024 season. He blew a 2-0 lead to hand Sinner his first-ever Grand Slam title. He then entered the Dubai Tennis Championships as the defending champion but was ousted in the semi-finals by a spirited Ugo Humbert.
Medvedev reached the finals of the BNP Paribas Open, but ultimately succumbed to Carlos Alcaraz in what was a rematch of last year's final. Defending champion in Miami, he was brushed aside in the semi-finals by a red-hot Jannik Sinner.
The Russian opened his clay court swing in Monte Carlo with a straight sets win over French veteran Gael Monfils. He was, however, seen off by compatriot Karen Khachanov in the following round in a heated encounter.
The 23-year-old Italian, on the other hand, began the year in Brisbane where he reached the last eight. He was beaten by Russian Roman Safiullin. He won his opening match at the Australian Open but was seen off by home favorite Alex de Minaur in the next round.
He has since gone 9-7 on the W/L charts, with his best results coming in Barcelona where he lost to the third seed Casper Ruud in straight sets. He also reached the fourth round in Miami, scoring victories over Arthur Fils, Alexander Bublik, and Denis Shapovalov.
Daniil Medvedev vs Matteo Arnaldi head-to-head
Daniil Medvedev leads Matteo Arnaldi 2-0 in their head-to-head professional competition. He won their previous encounter in Canada last year with a 6-2, 7-5 scoreline.
Daniil Medvedev vs Matteo Arnaldi odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Daniil Medvedev vs Matteo Arnaldi prediction
Matteo Arnaldi looked clinical in his first-round encounter in Madrid, dropping just 5 games en route to the victory. With that win, he climbed to a 4-2 W/L on the red dirt this season and will be eager to extend this good run of form.
Medvedev, meanwhile, once again made his feelings towards clay very clear during his third-round loss in Monte Carlo. His defeat was marred by his repeated outbursts toward the umpire and the tournament referee.
Medvedev might be one of the best players going around currently, but the clay has always been his weakness, something he hasn't been shy about admitting in the past.
Arnaldi might be the lower ranked and lesser experienced heading into the encounter, but he does hold the slight edge being the better clay court player. His recent run of form should also aid him in his pursuit against the big serving and hard-hitting Russian.
The match, however, promises plenty of fireworks given Medvedev's experience on the biggest stage, and Arnaldi's incredible clay court game.
Pick: Daniil Medvedev in three sets.