The ATP Masters 1000 Rome second round on May 8 features a pair of strong favourites and one intriguing value underdog. Casper Ruud looks well-positioned to control the clay-court exchanges against Zachary Svajda, while Alexander Zverev should carry strong momentum from Madrid into his matchup with Daniel Altmaier. Meanwhile, in the most competitive clash of the group, Alejandro Tabilo arrives in excellent form and could make life difficult for Francisco Cerundolo.
ATP Masters 1000 Rome 1/32-Finals
Ruud – Svajda: 08.05.2026 12:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Casper Ruud has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Ruud lost to Blockx in the quarterfinals in straight sets.
Zachary Svajda has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Cagliari, Svajda lost to Hurkacz in the opening round in straight sets. This week in Rome, the American upset Trungelliti in the opening round after losing the opening set 0-6.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Ruud is the heavy favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Svajda has never succeeded on clay courts and has no weapons to match the Norwegians’ game there. We expect Ruud to dominate and get a comfortable win.
That being said, Ruud covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Casper Ruud -5.5 games handicap @1.67 @bet365
Altmaier – Zverev: 08.05.2026 13:00 CEST
H2H: 1-3
Daniel Altmaier has lost three of his last five matches. This week in Rome, the German defeated Zhang in the opening round in three tight sets after losing the opening set. Last season in Rome, Altmaier lost to Comesana in the opening round in straight sets.
Alexander Zverev has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Zverev lost to Sinner in the final in straight sets. He was the champion here in 2017 and 2024. Last season in Rome, the German lost to Musetti in the quarterfinals in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Zverev is the heavy favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Besides losing in the final against Sinner last week in Madrid, Zverev played his best tennis and dominated. He enjoys playing in Rome, and we expect him to dominate the rallies on his backhand.
That being said, Zverev covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alexander Zverev -5.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Tabilo – Cerundolo: 08.05.2026 14:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Alejandro Tabilo has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Aix en Provence, the Chilean won the Challenger title, defeating Bergs in the final in three sets. This week in Rome, Tabilo demolished Carreno-Busta in the opening round in straight sets.
Francisco Cerundolo has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Cerundolo lost to Blockx in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Tabilo is the slight underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. He dominated in the opening round against Carreno-Busta and has just won the Challenger title under similar conditions. We expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Tabilo covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Alejandro Tabilo +2.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
