Wednesday Madrid Previews: Auger-Aliassime vs. Nadal; Vekic vs. Martic

Felix Auger-Aliassime (ATP No. 30, UTR No. 28) vs Rafael Nadal (ATP No. 2, UTR No. 2)

The entire 2019 season has felt like one big coming-out party for Auger-Aliassime. He is perhaps the most exciting young talent in tennis. Now he has the chance to accomplish one of the most difficult feats in all of sport: beating Nadal on clay.

You never know how someone will react the first time they play Nadal on clay; he is a mythical figure on the dirt. Luckily for the young Canadian, Nadal has looked more susceptible than ever, having lost in his last two clay-court tournaments. If Auger-Aliassime can serve a high percentage, and find his forehand, he should get his teeth in the match.

Nadal will need to use his heavy crosscourt forehand to stretch Auger-Aliassime to his weaker backhand side. If the Canadian is unable to generate enough pace and depth from his backhand corner, he will struggle mightily. Nadal’s forehand on clay bounces up higher than anyone’s, and it's not even close.

Don’t expect Auger-Aliassime to back down—this is a win-win scenario for him. Either he upsets the King of Clay, or he loses and has the opportunity to measure his game against the greatest ever on the surface. But don’t expect an upset, at least not on this very first try.

Donna Vekic (CRO) WTA No. 24, UTR No. 10 vs Petra Martic (CRO) WTA No. 36, UTR No. 24

Martic is having a career year. She made the semifinals in Charleston, then won her first career title in Istanbul last week. After defeating Garbine Muguruza in opening round of Madrid, she received a free pass into the round of sixteen because of an Angelique Kerber ankle injury. She will face off against fellow Croatia Vekic, who is also having the best year of her career.

Martic loves clay—she has won 11 of her last 12 matches on this surface. Her movement and athleticism are her biggest strengths, in addition to her heavy kic -serve. She will try to control the point with her serve and forehand to keep the ball away from Vekic’s lethal backhand. Vekic will try to keep the points on the shorter side, using her power and precision to blast Martic off the court.

There will surely be nerves in this match, the two Croatians have never played before, and a Premier Mandatory quarterfinal spot is on the line. UTR metrics as well as Vegas oddsmakers may favor Vekic, but look for the well-rested Martic to get the better of her countrywoman in a grueling three-set match.