Madrid 2023: J.J. Wolf vs. Alexander Shevchenko Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Madrid Open first-round match featuring J.J. Wolf vs. Alexander Shevchenko on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

J.J. Wolf vs. Alexander Shevchenko Preview

American J.J. Wolf will play his first Masters tournament on clay at the 2023 Madrid Open. Will get the win against Russian qualifier Alexander Shevchenko?

With an 11-9 record on clay in his pro career, it’s clear that J.J. Wolf is never a fan of the clay. But stranger things have happened and you cannot write him, especially at altitude where the balls zip through the court. And Wolf who possesses one of the most devastating serves in the game is more than capable of thriving in these conditions at the Madrid Open.

Alexander Shevchenko, for his part, has won over 100 matches on clay throughout his career at all levels. He’s advanced into the Madrid Open draw with two qualifying wins under his belt, edging out Juan Manuel Cerundolo on Tuesday to get a shot at J.J. Wolf on Thursday.

J.J. Wolf vs. Alexander Shevchenko Prediction and Pick

J.J. Wolf and Alexander Shevchenko have not played each other on the ATP Tour, with this first-round match at the Madrid Open being their first meeting. With Wolf, his game is not effective on clay as it is on other surfaces which is why I can’t see him getting the much-needed win. But the conditions are tailor-made for powerful players who like to go for their shots and I expect to him succeed to make a match out of this, but Shevchenko’s form makes him a solid pick ML.