Tomás Martín Etcheverry is playing like a force of nature at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he could go all the way if his form continues. Sunday saw the Argentine defeat Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the last sixteen in the Caja Magica and stamp his authority on the clay, a surface on which he has won more matches than anyone (15) in the 2026 season.
The test he came through in Stadium 3 was no ordinary battle for the South American, who faced one of the tour’s young guns. At 20 years of age Prizmic, a former Junior French Open champion, simply fizzes with energy and he managed to push Etcheverry all the way. With both players on the attack, the Argentine managed to quell the Balkan’s hopes in one of the most thrilling encounters of the opening week.
Etcheverry’s breakthrough in the Caja Magica exemplifies his ability to shine on the tour’s biggest stages. The Argentine has now reached the last sixteen at three consecutive ATP Masters 1000s, having done the same in Miami and Monte Carlo earlier this season.
“I’ve had a great start to the year, playing very well and winning several matches. That adds a lot to my confidence. Today was a great battle with a really high level. I’m very happy to be here in the last sixteen and to keep progressing in a tournament that’s very special”, Etcheverry declared, satisfied at an event where Argentine tennis has plenty to smile about.
“Clay is a surface we were born and raised on, and we adapt well to it. Argentina currently has many players inside the Top 100, which increases the chances of more Argentines progressing. Hopefully, we’ll go as far as possible to represent our country as best we can”.
The No. 29 in the PIF ATP Rankings is vying to become one of the main contenders in the upper half of the draw, where the top players promise to remain until the sharp end of the tournament. In round four the Argentine will face Frenchman Arthur Fils, who advanced with a 7-6(2), 6-3 win and recently claimed the clay title at the ATP 500 in Barcelona.
Etcheverry is determined to make the most of his impressive spell on clay, a surface where he has stood out above the crowd this season. The Argentine boasts a 15-4 record on clay courts in 2026, including his first ATP 500 title in Rio de Janeiro. At the altitude of Madrid, where his shots are loaded with extra power, the South American looks like he may continue his impressive run of results.
Tomás now has a chance to leave the Mutua Madrid Open with the highest ranking of his career. Sunday’s victory moves Etcheverry up to No. 25 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, two places above his previous best, and he could break into the world’s Top 15 if he lifts the trophy in the Manolo Santana Stadium.
Did you know…?
Tomás Martín Etcheverry would be the second Argentine Mutua Madrid Open singles champion. The La Plata native is bidding to follow in the footsteps of David Nalbandian, who took the crown in the Spanish capital in 2007. However, nobody from the South American nation has lifted the trophy since the tournament moved to clay.