Third seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia will take on seventh seed Holger Rune of Denmark in the Italian Open final in Rome on Sunday. This will be the first Masters 1000 title on clay for whoever wins on Sunday.
Medvedev has had a great year so far and this will be his third final in a Masters 1000 tournament in 2023. Rune, meanwhile, forms the triumvirate of exciting youngsters in world tennis along with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Here are a couple of reasons why the 27-year-old Russian starts as the favorite to win his sixth Masters 1000 title on Sunday:
Two Reasons Daniil Medvedev is the Favorite in the Rome Final
#1. Daniil Medvedev boasting superior movement and court-coverage:
Medvedev’s horizontal movement has always been exceptional and he has demonstrated in this tournament that he can move well vertically, too. If Rune found it difficult hitting through Casper Ruud in the semifinal, he should find it even more so against the big Russian.
However, Rune has the ability to play the angles well and it might come in handy on Sunday. Medvedev does not typically need much time to set up his shots and will be always dangerous with his ability to launch into hitting blistering winners all of a sudden off either wing.
#2. Medvedev’s quality passing shots might prove to be crucial:
Rune might find it almost impossible to win the match from baseline. Hence, the 20-year-old Dane should try to venture forward to the forecourt often. He should try to hit his inside-out forehands towards Medvedev’s backhand and then rush to the net to hit volley winners.
However, Medvedev’s ability to hit passes might make Rune’s job more difficult. The Russian now has a good drop shot in his arsenal, too, and will try to drag the Dane to the net quite often. The Russian’s superior serve will be an added advantage for him, too.
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
