Daniil Medvedev vs Brandon Nakashima Prediction & Picks - ATP Mutua Madrid Open

Prediction published on 4/29/25, 11:01 AM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 4/29/25 at 11:04 AM in ATP Mutua Madrid Open Picks

First test for Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Madrid Masters 1000 with a round of 16 match against American Brandon Nakashima on Tuesday in the Spanish capital.

Daniil Medvedev has had a peculiar first half to the season, with results falling short of his ambitions. It's true that the Russian's physical preparation has been disrupted and he has yet to find the right rhythm on the tennis courts. The only bright spot was a semi-final appearance at Indian Wells last month, a meagre record for the world's 10th-ranked player when it comes to clay, by far his worst surface. Eighth runner-up in Monte-Carlo, Daniil Medvedev had a quiet start to the tournament in Madrid, with Laslo Djere forfeiting his opener before easily overcoming Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo (126th). But this Tuesday, the Russian will see the level rise with Brandon Nakashima as his opponent for a place in the quarter-finals.

Having struggled so far on clay, with first-round eliminations in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, the American has responded well since arriving in the Spanish capital. Successes against clay-court specialists Sebastian Ofner (Austria) and Flavio Cobolli (Italy) have reassured the 32nd-ranked ATP player of his ability to play well on this surface. Brandon Nakashima may not be the most gifted player on clay, but don't underestimate him, especially in this match against another player who isn't necessarily a fan either!