A crazy day in Rome is underway. After the complete rain-out yesterday, Day 5 will see most of the second-round matches and all of the third-round matches. With enough second-round matches completed in the morning, we can now predict four solid third-round matches for you. Some of these players will be playing their second matches of the day. Will that have an effect? We look at our ATP Italian Open Day 5 Predictions.
ATP Italian Open Day 5 Predictions
Matteo Berrettini vs Diego Schwartzman
Berrettini upset Alexander Zverev in the second round all the way back on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Schwartzman advanced to the third round by beating Albert Ramos Vinolas earlier today. This match would generally be close to a toss-up. Berrettini has a ton of talent but still needs experience. He is having a real breakthrough this year, and I think the extra rest will serve him well here. As long as he isn’t rusty, he should survive the match.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Kei Nishikori
Struff has been very strong this clay season. He has defeated Denis Shapovalov, David Goffin, Nick Kyrgios, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, along with severely challenging Rafael Nadal in Barcelona. He’s had some strange matches, but this past month have been a real breakout for the German. Nishikori looks in strong form, but endurance and health have always been his weakness. The Japanese man should be the favorite in this match, but if it goes three don’t be shocked if he gets worn down.
Prediction: Nishikori in 2
Roger Federer vs Borna Coric
This is where the extra day of rest really matters. Coric also won his second-round match two days ago, in impressive fashion to boot. Federer, meanwhile, needed an hour and 20 minutes to defeat Joao Sousa to start the day. That’s not too long, but Federer was challenged in the match. He had to save seven break points and really had to fight through some games. The Swiss also struggled with his first serve. Also, I’m not so sure it’s in Federer’s best interests to win this match. It’s his second of the day, and a win means he has to play tomorrow as well. At 37 years of age, that matters. Federer has his clay legs under him and should be ready for Roland Garros. A respectable loss here might be best for him, and it’s not an unlikely scenario at all.
Prediction: Coric in 3
Rafael Nadal vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
Nadal has also played a match today, though I’m not sure if a 60 61 drubbing of Jeremy Chardy counts as a “match.” Basilashvili is a talented youngster who is rising, and he also has two days of rest. I’m not sure that’s enough against Nadal, though. The Georgian is a powerful player who can control some rallies, but eventually I just don’t think it will be enough against the “King of Clay” in search of his first clay title of the year.
Prediction: Nadal in 2
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