A couple of intriguing contests are part of a jam-packed first-round and second-round schedule on Tuesday in Rome. Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios are squaring off, while Alexander Zverev begins his campaign against Matteo Berrettini.
(12) Daniil Medvedev vs. Nick Kyrgios
Medvedev and Kyrgios will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they clash in round one of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Tuesday. Tennis matches this season have been somewhat few and far between for Kyrgios, who continues to fluctuate into and away from periods of mental and physical stability. The 36th-ranked Australian appears to be good to go this week, but he cannot be high on confidence. Kyrgios has played only one clay-court contest in 2019, losing his Madrid opener to Jan-Lennard Struff.
At the other end of the spectrum is Medvedev, who has been one of the best player in the world this year. The 12th-ranked Russian is sporting a 25-9 record for his 2019 campaign, which includes a title in Sofia and runner-up performances in Brisbane and Barcelona. Medvedev may not be at his very best on clay, but he is more adept on the slow stuff than Kyrgios. With an additional clear edge in current form, Rome’s 12th seed should survive what will likely be a wild encounter.
Pick: Medvedev in 3
[polldaddy poll=10318239]
(4) Alexander Zverev vs. (WC) Matteo Berrettini
Zverev was the 2018 runner-up in Rome and he must go one step further–yes, win the title–if he wants to snag a top-four seed at the French Open. The fifth-ranked German was amazing from start to finish last season (other than at slams), and the clay-court swing was no exception. He captured the title in Madrid and finished runner-up in Rome, so points are flying off the board left and right and have opened the door for Dominic Thiem to be the No. 4 seed in Paris. Zverev, who is a modest 15-9 in 2019, has played every single week on clay this year with a disappointing 5-5 mark to show for his efforts.
Up first for Zverev on Thursday is Berrettini, who got a wild card into the main draw as one of Italy’s brightest up-and-comers. Interestingly, their only previous meeting also came in Zverev’s Rome opener last spring; he took care of Berrettini 7-5, 6-2 en route to his eventual runner-up result (lost to Rafael Nadal). Berrettini is a much different customer now, having climbed to No. 33 in the world with two ATP titles under his belt. He trounced Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-4 and should be able to maintain his stellar form in front of a rowdy Italian crowd at the expense of a vulnerable opponent.
Pick: Berrettini in 3
[polldaddy poll=10318240]
WYG?
Yes, Kyrgios will most likly get a set. Egotistical, attention-seeking Kyrgious gets a lot of his motivation from trying to beat the better players and will likely serve, rally and compete well enough to snatch a set. It will be a big effort for Kyrgios to just turn up and beat an in-form Medevedev that is coming off a loss and should be sharp for this.
Medvedev 2:1 could be best bet of the day.
This is almost of a 50/50 contest. Zverev is fighting hard to overcome his below average form and is doing well IMO. swith the ome crowd advantage, Beretinni should just get the job done.
Berrettini in 3
however, with the home crowd advantage, Beretinni should just get the job done.
Med in 2; Zv in 2.
Gyros is out.