The ATP Masters 1000 Rome second round on May 8 features several intriguing matchups with value on both favourites and rising contenders. Alexander Blockx carries strong momentum from his Madrid semifinal run. He looks well placed against Tallon Griekspoor, while Sebastian Baez and Alexander Bublik could produce one of the tighter clashes of the day. Tommy Paul, meanwhile, looks like the strongest favourite of the group, with his all-around clay-court game giving him a clear edge over Aleksandar Vukic.
ATP Masters 1000 Rome 1/32-Finals
Griekspoor – Blockx: 08.05.2026 14:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Tallon Griekspoor has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Griekspoor lost to Musetti in the third round in straight sets.
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. This week in Rome, the Belgian turned the match around against Cina in the opening round after losing the opening set.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Blockx is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is in great form and fully confident. On the other hand, Griekspoor has struggled on clay so far this season. We expect Blockx to dominate the rallies.
That being said, Blockx covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Blockx -2.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Baez – Bublik: 08.05.2026 15:30 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Sebastian Baez has lost three of his last five matches. This week in Rome, Baez won the opening match against Brooksby in straight sets. Last season in Rome, the Argentine lost to Kopriva in the second round.
Alexander Bublik has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, the Kazakh lost to Tsitsipas in the opening match in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Bublik is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He dominated on clay last season, and we expect him to continue in that fashion this season as well.
That being said, Bublik winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Bublik winning @1.67 @bet365
Paul – Vukic: 08.05.2026 15:30 CEST
H2H: 1-2
Tommy Paul has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Paul got upset by Tirante in the opening match in straight sets.
Aleksandar Vukic has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Cagliari, Vukic lost to Giron in the opening round in three sets. This week in Rome, the Australian upset Kypson in the opening round in three sets. In the deciding set, Vukic played well under pressure and won without dropping a game.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Paul is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Earlier this season in Adelaide, Paul demolished Vukic in straight sets. Especially on clay, Paul should dictate tempo and win easily.
That being said, Paul covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Tommy Paul -5.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
