Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Fabio Fognini Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Mutua Madrid Open

Prediction published on 01/05/2022, 09:14  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 01/05/2022 at 11:58 in Tennis Predictions

Nikoloz Basilashvli looks to continue the slightly improved form shown in Munich last week. He takes on Fabio Fognini in the first round of the Madrid Masters. Whoever wins this has a tough task in round two with the winner playing seventh seed Carlos Alcaraz. Basilashvili had only won three of his 15 matches on the ATP Tour this year before trying to defend the Munich title he won last year. He struggled to get past Iyla Ivashka in his opening match but did eventually come from behind to get the win. His title was lost in the next round though as he lost in straight sets to Miomir Kecmanovic. At least he did get a win in Munich, having lost in his first match in both Monte Carlo and Barelona. He's had one previous match against Fognini, losing in straight sets last year. They were due to meet this year at Indian Wells but Fognini pulled out injured.

Fabio Fognini is world ranked 50th but was in the top 20 last year. The Italian has only had one last 16 appearance in hard court events this year. Much better form has been shown on clay though. In South America, he reached a quarter final and a semi-final, including a win over top 20 player Pablo Carreno Busta. Back in Europe, he lost to eventual champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round in Monte Carlo but made it to the semi-finals in Belgrade, losing to Andrey Rublev. Fognini has won eight ATP Tour clay court events, the most recent was three years ago when winning the Monte Carlo Masters. He's not quite at that level at present but his clay court experience should be able to get him a win here, possibly needing three sets.