All eight ATP Rome Round of 16 matches will be completed on Day 7. Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Casper Ruud are among those scheduled to play in Italy. Their contests are predicted in this piece. The remaining action, including Jannik Sinner vs Andrea Pellegrino, is covered in a separate article.

ATP Rome Day 7 Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Lorenzo Musetti

Head-to-head: Ruud 2-1 Musetti

Both men have had very similar clay-court seasons so far. Each has won at least two matches at their last three tournaments, but without challenging for a title yet. In the relatively slow conditions, generating firepower is critical. Although both possess excellent forehands, Ruud’s is slightly more adept at consistently hitting with formidable pace, and that could prove decisive.
Prediction: Ruud in 3

Andrey Rublev vs Nikoloz Basilashvilli

Head-to-head: Rublev 4-3 Basilashvilli

Basilashvilli won his only previous clay-court meeting with Rublev, but that was close to seven years ago in Hamburg. The Georgian has played five matches since qualifying, with three of them going to a deciding set. By contrast, Rublev triumphed twice in straight sets. Basilashvilli’s level throughout the tournament has been good enough to challenge Rublev, but there is a high chance of him running out of steam here.
Prediction: Rublev in 2

Daniil Medvedev vs Thiago Agustin Tirante

Head-to-head: First meeting

The matchup here is quite similar to Medvedev’s previous match against Pablo Llamas Ruiz. He will face an opponent whose career achievements are not near his, but who thrives most on clay. Despite Medvedev’s well-known dislike of the dirt, expect him to successfully battle through another competitive match at the tournament he won in 2023.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3

Alexander Zverev vs Luciano Darderi

Head-to-head: Zverev 1-0 Darderi

Darderi will need to start well and swiftly get the home fans involved to have any chance here. Zverev is in the somewhat curious position of being the second-best ATP clay-court player at the moment, but without feeling like a serious challenger to Jannik Sinner. Although a solid player, Darderi is unlikely to have enough firepower to upset Zverev.
Prediction: Zverev in 2

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