Camilo Ugo Carabelli is set to face Alexander Shevchenko in the first round of the ATP Italian Open in Rome.
Shevchenko vs. Carabelli: A Form Clash
Alexander Shevchenko made a promising debut in Rome back in 2023. However, his results have been on a downward trend since then. His only Tour-level win on clay this season was against an opponent ranked #659.
Camilo Ugo Carabelli, conversely, has shown impressive form. He enters the tournament in much better condition than his opponent.
Prediction: Ugo Carabelli in 3.
Other Day 1 Matches in Rome
Sebastian Baez is set to face Jenson Brooksby. Baez wins a lot of matches on clay, but his record in Masters tournaments is not that good. He has four wins in four appearances. However, he will like his chances against Jenson Brooksby, who is on a four-match losing streak and can be vulnerable on clay.
Prediction: Baez in 3.
Jan-Lennard Struff is also scheduled to play Francisco Comesana. On paper, clay is Jan-Lennard Struff’s best surface, but the conditions here in Rome don’t suit his game, and his past results prove it. His serve is not as effective, which also limits his serve and volley effectiveness. Struff’s form is also a concern this season, and for these reasons, Francisco Comesana is favoured to win this match.
Prediction: Comesana in 3.
Jacob Fearnley is due to face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Jacob Fearnley returned to action for the first time since his rib injury in Miami, and he did extremely well to win both the qualifying matches. Fearnley is a good returner and will like his chances to tackle the big serve of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on this surface. This will be Perricard’s first match on clay this season, and he might be rusty to start the match, giving Fearnley the advantage.
Prediction: Fearnley in 3.
Sixteen first-round matches are scheduled for Day 1 of the 2026 ATP Italian Open in Rome.