The prestigious ATP Masters 1000 heads to Rome after Andrey Rublev defeated Felix Auger-Alissame to win the event in Madrid. Rome is the last stop before diving into the second Grand Slam of the year in Paris.
Unfortunately, the home fans will not get to see their favourite, Jannik Sinner play after he withdrew due to an injury, likewise Carlos Alcaraz. However, 10-time champion Rafael Nadal will play what should be his last tournament here in Rome, and defending champion Daniil Medvedev will also be in the mix.
Newscentral will bring you excitement from Rome by analysing a couple of matches and offering our opinion on who will advance to the next rounds.
Gael Monfils vs Thiago Monteiro
Head–to–Head: Monfils 1 vs 2 Monteiro
If it were on hardcourts, Gael Monfils would have been the favourite coming into this match. He has won just a solitary match since making the semifinals here 18 years ago, which won’t help his confidence as he steps out against clay court specialist Thiago Monteiro.
The Brazillian is in blistering form, defeating more illustrious opponents like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dusan Lajovic in Madrid before blasting Corentin Moutet in the qualifiers to enter the main draw.
On clay, it’s Monteiro’s match to lose.
Christopher Eubanks vs Terence Atmane
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
This is another match in which the more experienced player would have been the favourite if it were on hardcourts, but Eubanks hasn’t won a match on clay this year. His younger opponent, Atmane, contrastingly showed fine form in the qualifiers and will be eager to make something of his debut here.
If Atmane can cope with Eubank’s booming serve, he will defeat him.