The ATP Rome actions continues with another busy schedule on Day 2. This includes an interesting matchup between local hero Lorenzo Sonego and Dusan Lajovic on Centre Court. As always, we at LWOT predict all the ATP and WTA matches taking place in Rome. But which players do you think will progress to the next round?
ATP Rome Day 2 Predictions
Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Gregoire Barrere
Head-to-head: First meeting
Seyboth Wild is very dangerous on clay when he finds his range. He showed that in Madrid, where he beat Lorenzo Musseti, before competing well in a loss to Carlos Alcaraz. Barrere has made a slow start to the clay-court season and could use a win for his confidence. The Frenchman is the steadier player but Seyboth Wild gets the edge in this clash. The Brazilian can be unpredictable but his level at its best is better than Barrere’s on clay. He is backed to find that standard enough times to prevail in Rome.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 2
Mackenzie McDonald vs Aslan Karatsev
Head-to-head: McDonald 2-1 Karatsev
Both players are returning from long injuries. This is set to be McDonald’s first match since the Australian Open in January, while Karatsev returned two weeks ago in Madrid after also being out since January with an injury. That background means this is likely to be a scrappy affair between these two, with it being tough to pick a winner. Karatsev having a match and slightly more practice under his belt could make a difference, but in truth, this is a very hard contest to call.
Prediction: Karatsev in 3
Rinky Hijikata vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: First meeting
Hijikata could be slightly rusty in this match. The Australian last played on clay at the Houston Open over a month ago, deciding to play in hard court challengers after that. By contrast, Munar reached the final of the ATP 175 event on clay in Aix-en-Provence just a few days ago. The dirt is Hijikata’s least comfortable surface at the best of times. His lack of matches on clay heading into this contest makes a Munar win even more likely.
Prediction: Munar in 2
Lorenzo Sonego vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: Sonego 3-1 Lajovic
It has been a mixed season for Sonego so far, with the Italian not managing the same consistency of some previous years. He will hope to get inspired in front of his home fans in Rome. Sonego faces a tricky opening match against Lajovic, who reached the semfinal in Barcelona a few weeks ago. The Serbian is very adept at tracking balls down, meaning Sonego’s powerful forehand needs to find its range. But a combination of the Italian’s greater firepower and a home crowd mean he is the favourite to progress in Rome.
Prediction: Sonego in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA TODAY Sports
