Cerundolo and Kovacevic Set for First Round Clash in Madrid

Madrid, Spain — Juan Manuel Cerundolo will face Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of the 2025 ATP Madrid Open on Thursday. The match, set to begin at 1:40 a.m. AEST, marks the first time these two players will meet on the court.

Cerundolo, a 23-year-old from Argentina, has established himself as a clay-court specialist with a record of 19 wins and 10 losses on the surface this season. He has shown his capability on clay, showcasing his skills through consistent performances.

Kovacevic, 26, from the United States, comes into this match after a solid run in Houston, including a quarter-final showing. Additionally, he recently won a Challenger title in Cap Cana, affirming his competitive form this year.

Though Cerundolo has a significant edge in clay experience, Kovacevic’s aggressive style of play could bring a challenge. Betting markets currently favor Cerundolo at odds of $1.61, while Kovacevic is listed at $2.30 for this match.

Stats Insider’s predictive analytics model suggests Cerundolo has a 60% chance of winning based on simulations run 10,000 times. The betting site has adjusted odds with Cerundolo expected to win the first set at $1.66, compared to Kovacevic’s $2.20.

This duel promises an exciting clash between two emerging talents on one of tennis’s biggest stages. As the tournament progresses, the winner will take on the tournament’s 18th seed, Felix Auger-Aliassime.