Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Italian Open

Prediction published on 12/05/2023, 03:40  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 12/05/2023 at 05:09 in Tennis Predictions

The 2nd round of the ATP Rome Open will see Novak Djokovic take on Tomas Martin Etcheverry in what should be an entertaining match on Friday evening. Djokovic continues to work his way back to full fitness following a few injuries that have interrupted his season so far. Following an incredible start to the year, where he won the Adelaide 1 and Australian Open back-to-back, the Serbian regained the number-one world ranking but hasn’t looked as sharp since returning to action in Monte Carlo last month. Djokovic was knocked out in the second round of that tournament by Lorenzo Musetti and suffered another second-round exit at the Srpska Open a week later to Dusan Lajovic. Djokovic still holds a solid record for the year of 17-3; however, he will need to address a poor start on the clay surface, where his record stands at 2-2 coming into this match. Djokovic has never taken on this opponent before and will need to find his stride quickly, or he may find himself making another early exit in this one. 

Meanwhile, Etcheverry has had a solid season to date, working his way from 80th in the world ranking at the start of the year to 61st coming into this tournament. The Argentine has already made two final appearances this year, both on the clay, but has been unable to convert either into titles, losing to Nicolas Jarry in the final match in Santiago and two weeks later to Frances Tiafoe in Houston. Etcheverry beat Luca van Assche in the opening round, which takes his record to 18-12 for the year and 14-8 on the clay. The Argentine comes into this tournament following three consecutive second-round exits in Barcelona, Madrid, and the Aix En Provence challenger event at the start of the month and will have to be at his absolute best to get past the second round here in Rome.