Zverev, Nadal, Del Potro & Wawarinka lined up

In the din created by French Open’s announcement of not awarding wild card to Sharapova and Federer’s tweet about giving French Open a miss again this year, the tennis being played on the courts was sidelined for a while.  However, there are some mouthwatering line-up of matches to be played in the 3^rd round of the men’s draw in Rome, which compels us to bring our focus right back on tennis.

Fognini v/s Alexander Zverev

These two have never met before and both have been having a reasonably good clay season so far with Fabio winning 3 of 6 on clay and beating Murray this week and Sascha winning 9 of last 10 on clay and beating the likes of Berdych, Cilic and Verdasco on it.  Sascha is on the rise this year and should be able to get past Fabio.

Conclusion:  Zverev in 3

Berdych v/s Raonic

What can we say about Berdych?  He has rarely been able to step up when required.  Raonic leads their H2H by 4-2, and I expect Raonic to get past Berdych in this one too.

Conclusion:  Raonic in 2

Wawarinka v/s Isner

Isner leads their H2H 2-1 and has won the only match they played on clay in 2010, but that was before Stan became the man and also won the French Open by beating Djokovic.  Stan has not been playing well so far and has lost 2 of 4 matches played on clay this year.  I expect him to start performing better in preparation for Paris right around now.

Conclusion:  Wawarinka in 3

Goffin v/s Cilic

Goffin is a quality player on this surface and Cilic has been picking up steam lately.  This is a not an easy one to call but Goffin does have a 4-1 H2H advantage over Cilic and should be able to wear down Cilic in the 3^rd.

Conclusion:  Goffin in 3

Thiem v/s Querry

These two have never played on clay and share their H2H 1-1.  This is another one of those tough to call matches as both can play lights out when on their game.  However, Thiem is playing so good on clay and should be able to carry his clay momentum into this one and eke out a win here.

Conclusion:  Thiem in 3

Sock v/s Nadal

Sock was able to get a set off Nadal at the French Open in 2015, but Nadal is unstoppable now.  At this juncture Nadal can only be stopped by a Wawarinka on fire or someone playing like Djokovic in 2015 – 2016 and anything less will just not cut it.

Conclusion:  Nadal in 2

Nishikori v/s Delpotro

Del Potro leads their H2H 4-1 but the last match he won against Nishikori was in 2012.  This has the making of a thriller if Kei can actually finish it without an injury of some sorts.

Conclusion:  Del Potro in 3

Bautista Agut v/s Djokovic Novak has a 5-1 H2H advantage over Agut but this version of Novak has the tendency to make too many errors and Bautista Agut will make Novak pay for those unforced.   Djokovic however should be able to win this one and get a step closer to his meeting with Nadal in the semis.

Conclusion:  Djokovic in 3