The extended Rome Masters event kicks off on Wednesday with three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka taking on Ilya Ivashka. First-round action also includes veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet vs. China’s Yibing Wu.
Stan Wawrinka vs. Ilya Ivashka
Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka is till attempting to find his way on European clay. After posting a good round of 16 result in Indian Wells in March, the world No. 84 has limped along on the dirt–with two match wins in three tournaments during the clay swing so far. He will take on Ilya Ivashka of Belarus to kick off his Rome campaign.
Ivashka has had a miserable season so far, with just a 4-9 record. The world No. 73 came up through qualies to earn his spot in the main draw in Monte-Carlo, but he was knocked out by Karen Khachanov in straight sets in the second round. Clay has traditionally been Ivashka’s least successful surface. The Belarusian is 14-20 on the dirt.
Wawrinka will be the sentimental favorite and while the Swiss veteran hasn’t been at his best, he is playing well enough to get past Ivashka.
Cheryl pick: Wawrinka in 2
Ricky pick: Wawrinka in 3
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Richard Gasquet vs. Yibing Wu
Frenchman Richard Gasquet came somewhat out of nowhere at the beginning of the season to win his first title in almost six years in Auckland. Results haven’t followed suit for the rest of the season. He hasn’t won more than a match at a time at any event since his unexpected victory to kick off the 2023 season.
China’s Yibing Wu is just making his way off the Challenger tour, but he has a big upside. He won his first title of his career on the indoor hard courts of Dallas back in February. Wu has a couple of first-round losses to show for his efforts on clay this year (and no wins).
With Wu lacking match experience on the red stuff, expect this one to go to the veteran.
Cheryl pick: Gasquet in 2
Ricky pick: Gasquet in 2
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WWW?