The ATP Masters 1000 Madrid quarterfinals continue with compelling matchups and potential value angles. Casper Ruud faces a tough test against the in-form Alexander Blockx, who has been one of the breakout performers of the tournament and could capitalise if fatigue plays a role. Meanwhile, Flavio Cobolli brings confidence from recent results into his clash with Alexander Zverev, and looks capable of keeping things close in what should be a competitive battle.
ATP Masters 1000 Madrid quarterfinals
Ruud – Blockx: 29.04.2026 13:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Casper Ruud has won four of his last five matches. He is the defending champion in Madrid. This week, Ruud demolished Munar in the opening match in straight sets, losing only one game. In the third round, the Norwegian demolished Davidovich Fokina in straight sets. He dominated from start to finish. His toughest challenge so far came in the 1/8-Finals, when he defeated Tsitsipas in three tiebreaks after three hours. He even saved two consecutive match points.
Alexander Blockx has won four of his last five matches. In the opening round, the Belgian defeated Garin in three tight sets, after losing the opening set 4-6. In the second round, Blockx turned the match around against Nakashima, winning in three sets. Blockx upset Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in the third round. In the 1/8-Finals, Blockx defeated Cerundolo in straight sets. He was great under pressure, saving all eight breakpoints he offered.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Ruud is the favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. Blockx is the sensation of the tournament. On the other hand, Ruud just had a three-hour battle against Tsitsipas and will be exhausted coming into this match.
That being said, Blockx covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Blockx +2.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Cobolli – Zverev: 30.04.2026 20:00 CEST
H2H: 1-2
Flavio Cobolli has won four of his last five matches. This week in Madrid, Cobolli won the opening match against Ugo Carabelli in three sets, after losing the opening set 6-7. He offered and saved two breakpoints. In the third round, the Italian defeated Vallejo in straight sets, offering and saving only one breakpoint. In the 1/8-Finals, Cobolli outlasted Medvedev in three tight sets after playing for almost three hours.
Alexander Zverev has won four of his last five matches. He was the champion here in 2018 and 2021. This week in Madrid, the German defeated Navone in the opening match, three sets to one. He struggled in the second set on his serve. In the third round, he defeated Atmane in straight sets. His toughest challenge happened in the 1/8-Finals against Mensik. After playing for over two hours, Zverev won in three tight sets. Last season, Zverev lost to Cerundolo in the fourth round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Cobolli is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Just two weeks ago, Cobolli demolished Zverev in Munich in straight sets. He is a clay-court specialist, and we expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Cobolli covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Flavio Cobolli +2.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
