On Day 2 of the ATP Italian Open in Rome, 16 first-round matches are scheduled. This article features the intriguing battle between two young Italians, Flavio Cobolli and Luca Nardi. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance to the second round?
ATP Rome Day 2 Predictions
Pedro Martinez vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Spain’s Pedro Martinez plays his best tennis on clay but has been struggling with form in the last month or so. He is on a three-match losing streak in all competitions and has a horrible record in Rome. In his four appearances, Martinez has only won one main draw match here, and it won’t be simple to defeat Mattia Bellucci, a local and talented player. However, Bellucci is also going through a rough patch and is on a four-match losing streak. The form isn’t ideal for either player, but Martinez has more experience, and his top-spin heavy shots can force errors from the Italian.
Prediction: Martinez in 3
Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-Head: Bublik 0-1 Safiullin
Alexander Bublik had a good run to the fourth round at the Madrid Masters, but the Madrid conditions suit his game style better than other clay-court tournaments. Before 2023, Bublik had never won a match in Rome and lost his opening match last year. However, he has the incentive of taking revenge on Roman Safiullin, who defeated him comfortably in Shanghai last season. Safiullin has had a lacklustre season, which indicates he might be low on confidence. If Bublik can stay focused and disciplined, he can win this.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Reilly Opelka vs Learner Tien
Head-to-Head: first meeting
This should be a fun match between two compatriots who have no similarities in their game styles. Learner Tien, 19, is making his Rome debut, while Reilly Opelka had a successful run here in 2021, reaching the semifinals before losing to Rafael Nadal. Clay is Opelka’s least comfortable surface as his serve becomes less effective, and Tien will need to put as many returns as possible. The young American in his short career has displayed great shot selection and court coverage, which can frustrate Opelka into overhitting. I am taking Tien in this one.
Prediction: Tien in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Luca Nardi
Head-to-Head: Cobolli 1-2 Nardi
This all-Italian clash is one of the best first-round matches of this year’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Both players have shown immense promise since they came on tour, but Flavio Cobolli has been more consistent and is much higher ranked at the moment. He has also won a title on clay this year, his first ATP title and will be the favourite going into this match. However, Nardi has beaten him before and has the talent to do so again. Nardi’s unpredictability can trouble Cobolli, but he has to do a better job of returning serves than he has done all season. I expect a fight from Nardi, but Cobolli’s more stable clay court game should earn him the victory.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
