ATP Rome: Matteo Berrettini vs Jacob Fearnley

ATP Rome: Matteo Berrettini vs Jacob Fearnley

🧠 Form & Context

Matteo Berrettini
After a promising return in Madrid where he edged Jack Draper in a tight set, Berrettini’s injury troubles resurfaced—forcing a mid-match retirement. Still, the Italian remains one of the most dangerous early-round opponents on tour thanks to his huge serve and forehand. Rome holds emotional weight for him: this is his first main-draw appearance here since 2021, and he’ll be determined to finally make a deep home-soil run.

Jacob Fearnley
A revelation this clay swing, the Brit came into 2025 without a single pro match on the surface—yet now owns wins over Carballes Baena, Machac, and Fognini. Many of those wins came against underprepared or injured foes, but he’s made the most of his chances. A strong returner with an opportunistic mindset, Fearnley is proving he belongs at ATP level.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This is a match dictated by one key question: can Berrettini play pain-free? If so, his power-based game backed by the Rome crowd should give him a clear edge. Fearnley is consistent but doesn’t have the tools to handle Berrettini’s pace unless the Italian is off physically.

Fearnley will aim to turn this into a running contest—long rallies, extended sets, physical tests. That’s his path. But if Berrettini comes out swinging freely, this may be over quickly.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Berrettini in 3 sets. Expect an explosive start from the Italian, some resistance from the grinding Brit, and a result hinging on whether Matteo’s body holds up for two hours. Live upset potential if it doesn’t.