It promises to be another exciting day of ATP Rome action. Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, and Flavio Cobolli are among those who will take to the court. Eight matches are scheduled in total. Four of those contests, including Jannik Sinner vs Alexei Popyrin, are predicted in a separate article.
ATP Rome Day 6 Predictions
Brandon Nakashima vs Nikoloz Basilashvilli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Basilashvilli has played four matches since qualifying, including an impressive victory over Ben Shelton in the previous round. By contrast, Nakashima’s sole win so far was against Roberto Bautista Agut. Both men have decent serves, but that benefit is reduced somewhat because of the slow conditions. Basilashvilli’s best chance against Nakashima is on clay, and I think the Georgian will carry the momentum from beating Shelton by being more solid than Nakashima.
Prediction: Basilashvilli in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Thiago Agustin Tirante
Head-to-head: Tirante 1-0 Cobolli
Almost all of Tirante’s notable successes have come on clay. Therefore, the Argentine would rather play on the dirt against any opponent. That does not alter the reality of Cobolli being the more likely winner because of his firepower and better all-around game. Tirante triumphed in their sole previous match, but Cobolli performed terribly in that meeting. A repeat of that is unlikely.
Prediction: Cobolli in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Andrea Pellegrino
Head-to-head: First meeting
Pellegrino will be well rested for this match because of Arthur Fils‘s retirement after four games of their match. The Italian, a clay-court specialist, will work hard to lengthen the rally and test Tiafoe’s focus. The American often comes unstuck in those types of battles due to getting frustrated. I think Pellegrino will pull off a notable upset in front of his home fans after a dramatic contest.
Prediction: Pellegrino in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz
Head-to-head: First meeting
These two could not have had more contrasting routes to this stage. All four of Llamas Ruiz’s victories since qualifying were in the deciding set, while Medvedev has not played a match because of receiving a walkover from Tomas Machac. The former World No. 1’s dislike of clay, despite previously winning this event, is well-known. That dynamic should not prevent him from beating an opponent who will likely already be feeling some fatigue.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
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