ATP Rome Open: First-Day Predictions—Ugo Carabelli vs. Pablo Carreo Busta

Following Casper Ruud’s victory at his inaugural Masters 1000 title in Madrid, the ATP Tour heads to Rome for the final clay Masters 1000 event of the year. The opening round kicks off on Wednesday sans the seeded players but remains brimming with compelling matches. This promises to be an exceptional day of tennis in the Eternal City as the competition gets underway.

ATP Rome Opening Day Forecasts

Jordan Thompson versus Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

Head-to-head: Thompson 4-0 Perricard

Thompson has emerged victorious in all four encounters and all eight sets against his opponent—two of thesematches occurring this year at the Masters 1000 level, specifically inMiami and Monte Carlo. Mpetshi Perricard’s huge serve Performs well on quicker courts; however, the situation seems different on slower ones at present. Despite Thompson’s difficulties with clay, he holds an advantage regarding returns and rallies. This game might unfold much like their contest in Monte Carlo did.

Prediction: Thompson in 2

Jiri Lehecka vs Alexandre Muller

Head-to-head: Lehecka 2-0 Muller

Lehecka and Muller both began the season strongly but have recently found it difficult to secure victories in various tournaments. They aim to regain their form at this event in Rome. Although Muller is a dependable competitor, Lehecka possesses greater potential. If he performs up to his standard, he ought to come out victorious.

Prediction: Lehecka in 2

Yunchaokete Bu vs Luciano Darderi

Head-to-head: first meeting

Darderi started the clay season amazingly, with a title in Marrakech, but he hasn’t been able to maintain that level since. Now playing at home in Rome he theoretically has a very nice first round draw as he should be able to overcome Bu on a slow clay court. Under normal circumstances, Darderi should pull through here in relatively straightforward fashion.

Prediction: Darderi in 2

Camilo Ugo Carabelli vs Pablo Carreno Busta

Head-to-head: first meeting

Carreno Busta is a former Top 10 player with several good Slam runs and a Masters 1000 title, but he has really been struggling to get back to his best after injury. He actually lost in qualifying here but has been given a second chance, albeit against a good opponent on clay like Ugo Carabelli. It should be a very close match, with lots of gruelling rallies and decided by who executes better in key points.

Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3

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