Third-round matches start on Day 5 of the ATP Italian Open, and fans will have many interesting encounters to look forward to. This article features defending champion and world No.2 Alexander Zverev as he takes on 20-year-old Vilius Gaubas. 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 5 Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Francesco Passaro
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Francesco Passaro had an impressive run here last year, and he has already made an impact by beating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. This was his second win over Dimitrov and will provide him with a lot of confidence. Karen Khachanov was far from his best in the second round, which gives a little hope for Passaro to pull off another big win. I believe Khachanov’s experience and quality will help him prevail, but I won’t be surprised if he loses.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Lorenzo Musetti vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-Head: Musetti 1-1 Nakashima
Lorenzo Musetti is going to be one of the toughest players to beat here, and he is off to a solid start. The Italian has never been to a quarterfinal in Rome, and that would be his initial goal for this edition. Brandon Nakashima is still winless at the Italian Open as he got a walkover via Jordan Thompson’s withdrawal. These two have played on hard court and grass before, and this will be their first meeting on clay. Musetti is the better player on this surface, and playing at home makes him extra dangerous.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
Holger Rune vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-Head: Rune 1-2 Moutet
2023 finalist Holger Rune was involved in a fantastic second-round match against Francisco Comesana. Both players gave their all in that intense match, and Rune saved nine break points in the third set before winning the match. Corentin Moutet is a fantastic player when he is on, and he can push Rune to the limits again. He leads the head-to-head against Rune, and his craftiness can frustrate the Dane. Rune will need to maintain his composure, just like he did against Comesana and try to limit errors. It should be an entertaining match, and I am going with the higher-ranked player.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Vilius Gaubas
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Alexander Zverev started his campaign against Camilo Ugo Carabelli and faced no difficulties in getting the job done in straight sets. Zverev was not serving great in the first set, but improved in the second set. The two-time Rome champion will face the 20-year-old qualifier. Vilius Gaubas, who has impressed everyone with his tennis this week. Gaubas defeated Denis Shapovalov and will earn a new career-high ranking no matter what happens next in this tournament. Beating a top player like Zverev would be a monumental task, but Gaubas has nothing to lose.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
