Three picks from the Italian Open fourth round in Rome today, and there are some genuinely interesting matchups to get into. Who do you think comes through?
Italian Open Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Ruud 2-1 Khachanov
Ruud leads the head-to-head but Khachanov took their most recent meeting, and on clay in Rome that feels relevant. Ruud has been solid this clay swing without ever looking truly dangerous and Khachanov at his best hits through clay courts in a way that can be very hard to handle, especially when he's getting his first serve in and keeping rallies short.
I think this goes the distance, but Khachanov's power game gives him a real edge in a three-setter on this surface.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Rafael Jodar vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-head: First meeting
Darderi is the higher-ranked player and has looked comfortable on clay this season, but Jodar is no pushover and has quietly put together some solid results on the dirt. First meetings on clay tend to be tight because neither player knows exactly what to expect, and Jodar's game travels well on slower surfaces. Darderi is the favourite on paper, but Jodar takes this one in a close three.
Prediction: Jodar in 3
Thiago Agustin Tirante vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: First meeting
Medvedev in Rome has never felt quite right. He's a three-time finalist at the US Open and has reached the top of the world, but clay is clearly where he's least comfortable, and the slow Roman conditions do him no favours at all. That said, Tirante is exactly the kind of grinder who thrives here, patient and heavy off both wings, and he's shown this season he can beat higher-ranked players on this surface.
Medvedev will make it competitive, but I feel like Tirante's clay-court instincts, built up over several strong seasons on the dirt, are just too much on this surface today.
Prediction: Tirante in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via ZUMA Press