🎾 ATP Rome: Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin

🎾 ATP Rome: Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

Alexander Bublik

• Madrid spark: Took out Rublev and Popyrin en route to the R16—his first standout showing of 2025.
• Ranking motivation: Currently ranked No. 76 with few points to defend—urgent need to rebound.
• Surface skepticism: Historically underwhelming on clay, but can be unplayable when locked in.
• Rome woes: Poor 1R record, including last year’s upset loss to Borges despite a bye.

Roman Safiullin

• Up-and-down season: 9–10 in 2025 with no sustained form—struggled with rhythm and closing out leads.
• Mental dips: Madrid loss to Rinderknech added to confidence issues.
• Masters upside: Most of his ATP wins in 2025 have come at Masters-level events.
• Clay concerns: Still adjusting to slower surfaces—less effective footwork and point control on dirt.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This is a match between the unpredictable and the inconsistent. Bublik, if engaged, has a significantly higher ceiling with his serve, improvisation, and variety. His performance in Madrid hinted at renewed motivation and focus. Safiullin, on the other hand, brings a more structured game but lacks sharpness and confidence, especially on clay.

The outcome could swing based on early momentum. Safiullin has a 2–0 H2H lead, but Bublik has the edge on current form and the X-factor advantage on a slow surface that rewards feel and variety.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Bublik in 3 sets. Expect a rollercoaster, but the Kazakh’s recent uptick and superior creativity should be enough to break the H2H and survive a gritty Safiullin challenge.