16 first-round matches are scheduled to kick off the 2026 ATP Italian Open in Rome on Day 1. This article features a mix of interesting matches headlined by Argentina’s Sebastian Baez taking on Jenson Brooksby. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But who will advance to the next round?
ATP Rome Day 1 Predictions
Alexander Shevchenko vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Alexander Shevchenko made a promising debut here in 2023, but his results have since gone downhill, and his single Tour-level win on clay this season has come against an opponent ranked #659. Camilo Ugo Carabelli, on the other hand, has impressed with his game and is in much better form coming into this tournament. I will take the Argentine.
Prediction: Ugo Carabelli in 3
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-Head: first meeting
On paper, clay is Jan-Lennard Struff’s best surface, but the conditions here in Rome don’t suit his game, and his past results prove it. His serve is not as effective, which also limits his serve and volley effectiveness. Struff’s form is also a concern this season, and for these reasons, I have Francisco Comesana as the favorite to win this match.
Prediction: Comesana in 3
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs Jacob Fearnley
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jacob Fearnley returned to action for the first time since his rib injury in Miami, and he did extremely well to win both the qualifying matches. Fearnley is a good returner and will like his chances to tackle the big serve of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on this surface. This will be Perricard’s first match on clay this season, and he might be rusty to start the match, giving Fearnley the advantage. I will back the Brit to get his second tour-level win of the season.
Prediction: Fearnley in 3
Sebastian Baez vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-Head: Baez 1-0 Brooksby
Sebastian Baez wins a lot of matches on clay, but his record in Masters tournaments is not that good. He has four wins in four appearances here, which is underwhelming for a player of his caliber and experience. However, he will like his chances against Jenson Brooksby, who is on a four-match losing streak and can be vulnerable on clay.
Prediction: Baez in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
