Madrid Open: Quentin Halys vs Alexei Popyrin Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Madrid Open first-round match featuring Quentin Halys vs. Alexei Popyrin on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

Quentin Halys vs. Alexei Popyrin Preview

It’s a meeting between two of the biggest servers in men’s tennis when Quentin Halys takes on Alexei Popyrin at the Madrid Open. Who will prevail?

It’s quite incredible that Quentin Halys’ first ATP semifinal came on clay. He even surprised himself with his run to the last four in Estoril, taking down the likes of Nuno Borges, Bautista Agut, and Dominic Thiem. And he came within one tiebreak from beating Casper Ruud, the eventual champion. With that said, the Frenchman should be the favorite to edge his encounter against Alexei Popyrin at the Madrid Open.

Alexei Popyrin has also exceeded many people’s expectations this year. He’s managed to get himself into that 2021 form that saw him capture his maiden ATP title in Singapore. Popyrin has advanced at least into the second round in each of his last six tournaments. Can he avoid another first-round defeat at the Madrid Open?

Quentin Halys vs. Alexei Popyrin Prediction and Pick

Quentin Halys leads Alexei Popyrin 1-0 in Tour-level meetings. He won that match in straight sets in the first round of Newport last season. Halys is rightly the favorite here, but it should be a very tight contest between two big servers. Popyrin is on a resurgence in 2023 and he’s scored some outstanding wins. The games market should be a safe bet here as I can’t many breaks of serve, with a slight edge to the Frenchman in ML.