The opening round continues on Day 2 of the 2022 ATP Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. Young Italian talents Flavio Cobolli and Giulio Zeppieri will test themselves against some quality opposition. Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur takes on Dusan Lajovic. Who do you think will prevail?
Karen Khachanov vs Giulio Zeppieri
Head-to-head: First meeting
Giulio Zeppieri has already survived two very tough battles in the qualifying draw, barely edging Alex Molcan and Maxime Cressy. The Italian youngster hasn’t been in great form this year, but being used to the conditions should help him out here. With his lefty attacking game, he’s got the weapons to threaten Karen Khachanov and give him a tough test. However, the Russian’s experience will be an asset and while he’s not at the peak of his abilities right now, he never really goes below a certain level.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Dusan Lajovic vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-head: Lajovic 1-0
Alex de Minaur seems to have made some real progress in his clay-court this game this year. His only losses on the dirt this year? Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner. The Australian’s flatter strokes don’t necessarily suit this surface, but his phenomenal retrieving and foot speed do. Dusan Lajovic had a great run in Madrid though, dispatching Casper Ruud and pushing Hubert Hurkacz fairly close. De Minaur seems to be a class higher right now, but the confidence from Lajovic’s run last week will help him keep it close.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Jenson Brooksby vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jenson Brooksby took just two games off Roberto Bautista Agut in Madrid. While the American qualified for Roland Garros last year, he’s still very inexperienced on red clay. Meanwhile, for Flavio Cobolli, this is just bread and butter. The Italian is also one of the most liked players from his country and always gets a ton of crowd involvement in his matches. He’s on a fine run this year, including a title at the Zadar Challenger, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to expose his opponent’s lacking clay resume.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
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