A few quarter-final picks from the Italian Open today, and there's a real mix here, from a heavyweight matchup at the top of the draw to an all-Spanish battle that's harder to call than it looks. Let's get into it.
Italian Open Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Sinner 7-3 Rublev
Seven wins from ten meetings, and Sinner has won the last several, including on clay. Rublev can hit the cover off the ball on his best days, but his best days have been fewer and further between lately, and Sinner on home soil in Rome is about as tough a draw as you can get right now. The crowd, the surface, the moment, all of it suits him.
Sinner wins this and I'd be surprised if it goes three.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Rafael Jodar vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-head: First meeting
Two Spanish-connected players meeting for the first time, though Darderi's Argentine roots and Italian upbringing make this one of the more interesting background matchups on tour. Darderi is ranked higher and has been building nicely on clay, but Jodar has had a quietly solid season and at 42 in the world he's no pushover on this surface. I feel like this one goes the distance, and Jodar's experience in tight clay matches nudges him through.
Prediction: Jodar in 3
Martin Landaluce vs Daniil Medvedev
Head-to-head: First meeting
Landaluce is ranked 99th and this is his first meeting with Medvedev, which tells you most of what you need to know. Hard to see this being competitive at all. Medvedev has never been the most natural clay-court player, and his Rome record reflects that, but he's still a top-10 player with a game that can grind anyone down and Landaluce simply hasn't done this at this level before. That said, Medvedev should still find a way to get through here, even if it takes three sets.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via ZUMA Press