The ATP Masters 1000 Rome first round on May 7 features a mix of tight battles and clear momentum spots. Zizou Bergs and Terence Atmane look set for a closely contested matchup that could easily stretch deep into the scoreline. At the same time, Alexander Blockx arrives with confidence after his strong run in Madrid and should have the edge over Federico Cina. Meanwhile, Marin Cilic has the experience to make him a slight favourite against Marcos Giron.
ATP Masters 1000 Rome 1/64-Finals
Bergs – Atmane: 07.05.2026 11:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Zizou Bergs has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Aix-en-Provence, Bergs lost to Tabilo in the Challenger tournament final in three sets. This is his second appearance in Rome. In his debut campaign, Bergs lost to Nadal in the opening round in three sets.
Terence Atmane has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Atmane lost to Zverev in the third round in straight sets. This is his second appearance in Rome.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, this will be a 50-50 matchup, and we agree. Both players tend to be inconsistent in their matches. We expect a close match that could go either way and possible tiebreaks.
That being said, over games is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: over 23.5 games @1.91 @bet365
Cina – Blockx: 06.05.2026 20:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Federico Cina has lost five straight matches. The last match he won was over a month ago in Naples. Last week in Cagliari, Cina lost to Cerundolo J.M. in the opening round in three sets. He has been granted a wild card for this week’s tournament in Rome.
Alexander Blockx has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Blockx had a great run, reaching the semifinals of the Masters 1000 tournament. He eventually fell short to Zverev in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Blockx is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is coming into this match with his career-high ranking. On the other hand, Cina struggled for the past few weeks. We expect Blockx to dominate and get a comfortable win.
That being said, Blockx covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Blockx -4.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Giron – Cilic: 07.05.2026 12:30 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Marcos Giron has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Cagliari, Giron lost to Burruchaga in the quarterfinals in three sets. Last season in Rome, the American lost to Hurkacz in the third round in three sets.
Marin Cilic has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Cilic suffered from a stomach bug and was forced to withdraw from the second round clash against Fonseca. He was the semifinalist here in 2018. His last appearance here was in 2022.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Cilic is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He enjoys playing at the Masters 1000 level. Clay courts are the least favourite surface for both players; however, Cilic is a better clay-court player, and we expect him to win comfortably.
That being said, Cilic winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Marin Cilic winning @1.62 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
