Madrid Open 2023: Alex de Minaur vs. Aslan Karatsev Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2023 Madrid Open third-round match featuring Alex de Minaur vs. Aslan Karatsev on Monday, May 1, 2023.

Alex de Minaur vs. Aslan Karatsev Preview

Can Alex de Minaur end the surprise run of qualifier Aslan Karatsev? Or will the Russian continue to pull the rabbit out of the hat and reach the fourth round of the Madrid Open?

Alex de Minaur has a modest record at the Madrid Open, making the round of 16 once before back in 2021. But he’s had a great draw at least on paper. He had a bye in the first round, and then defeated Italian qualifier Marco Cecchinato in straight sets. He’ll take on another qualifier in Aslan Karatsev for a spot in the fourth round.

Aslan Karatsev has certainly exceeded expectations with his out-of-nowhere run. Karatsev had not won back-to-back matches on the ATP Tour since the opening week of the season in Pune. But he’s doubled that count, scaling the qualifying rounds successfully and then taking down Laslo Djere and Botic van de Zandschulp without dropping a set.

Alex de Minaur vs. Aslan Karatsev Prediction and Pick

Alex de Minaur leads Aslan Karatsev 1-0 in their head-to-head, winning that match on the indoor hard courts in Sofia three years ago. I can see Karatsev pushing him to his limits at the Madrid Open. The Russian has reminded everyone of his abundant talent that took the tennis world by storm two years ago. His run this week has been very good right from qualifying and he’s worth a shout in taking a set here.