Carlos Alcaraz will meet Grigor Dimitrov in the Third Round of the 2023 Madrid Masters. The match will be played on Sunday April 30th, 2023.
World number two and top seed here at the 2023 Madrid Masters Carlos Alcaraz began his title campaign in stuttering fashion, looking down and out at one stage before storming back to beat Emil Ruusuvuori. Surprisingly dropping the first set, he made an uncharacteristically high number of unforced errors but looked good in the third set which he claimed 6-2. At one point he was down 6-2, 2-3 15-40 down and had to save five break points in that game, had he lost that one it would likely have been the match. He knows that he will have to be better here against the experienced Grigor Dimitrov, and I am expecting him to come roaring back.
Grigor Dimitrov is the 26th seed here at the 2023 Madrid Masters and is ranked 32nd in the world. Despite his advancing age, he is a very good player and should not be underestimated by Carlos Alcaraz. He looked good in his opener against Gregoire Barrere, winning 7-6, 7-6. While he got the victory, he was a bit wasteful at times, something he cannot do against his next opponent, title-favorite Alcaraz. He has a title on clay and a winning record, but this will be a big ask of him.
I am expecting Carlos Alcaraz to put on a masterclass here, and win this match in straight sets. Grigor Dimitrov is a great player and one of the most experienced out there, but Alcaraz is at home, and will be desperate to put on a show after his disappointing First Round performance. Back the Spaniard to win here with extreme confidence here at the 2023 Madrid Masters.