2021 Madrid Open Round of 16 – Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin taking place? Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
When is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin on and what time does it start? Thursday 6th May, 2021 – Not before 14:00 (UK)
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number two and five-time Madrid Masters champion Rafael Nadal was part of a wholesome atmosphere on Manolo Santana yesterday against future Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz on the teenager’s 18th
birthday. 34-year-old Nadal came through comfortably to reach the round of 16 before presenting Alcaraz with a cake alongside Feliciano Lopez in front of an adoring Madrid crowd. That crowd now only has one Spaniard left to cheer for in Nadal after Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Roberto Bautista Agut lost on Wednesday so it will be a tough prospect for 21-year-old Alexei Popyrin to play the villain of the piece here. The towering Aussie’s serve and forehand caused umpteen problems for an out-of-sorts Jannik Sinner yesterday and the world number 76 continued his excellent progress this season with a straight-sets win over the Italian. The shoe should be on the other foot here, though, as Nadal looks to be getting better and more like his usual self on this surface with each passing match. Take the Spaniard to play to the crowd and win in straight sets.
