Italian Open in Rome, 2nd Round, Tuesday, 10.05.2022
Best weather, a top seed list and several title favourites – the spectators in the eternal city can look forward to an exciting Italian Open. In Rome, some of the top stars will only enter the race today after a walk-through.
Among them is a real clay specialist who has hardly come into his own in recent weeks. An out at the start in Rome? Read my van de Zandschulp Ruud tip to find out why I wouldn’t rule out an embarrassment!
Still in the top 10, but has dropped three places after the weak past tournaments. Casper Ruud has to come up with something if he really wants to be one of the favourites at the French Open.
The Norwegian is actually particularly strong on clay, isn’t he? He has yet to show his strength on court this year. In Miami, he managed a respectable tournament, losing the final to Carlos Alcaraz.
Since then, however, his fans have been waiting for him to succeed in such a match again. Only once did he win two matches, losing even to players who should be far inferior to him.
A few days ago in Madrid, he lost to Dusan Lajovic immediately after the start of the tournament. No question, this Casper Ruud has seen better days.
Karen Khachanov, Lorenzo Sonego, Marin Cilic and Matteo Berrettini all failed to beat Ruud two years ago, who was only eliminated in the semi-finals by Novak Djokovic.
Nobody doubts his potential, but he can’t really get it on the court at the moment. And then he draws Botic van de Zandschulp, of all people, for his Italian Open, and Ruud wasn’t very lucky here either.
In Munich, he had no chance against the Dutchman and was eliminated 5-7, 1-6. It was already the second defeat against him, the Norwegian had lost in four sets at the US Open 2021.
The Dutchman is striving ever higher in the rankings, he has already climbed to No. 32. With him, one has to ask the anxious question: Is he really fit? In Munich, his BMW Open turned into a bit of a drama.
Van de Zandschulp played a great tournament until he was 4-3 up in the final against Holger Rune. He explained his withdrawal with indisposition and dizziness. Nevertheless, he travelled to Madrid and was able to defeat Pablo Carreno Busta.
The elimination in round 2 against David Goffin was unusual, because van de Zandschulp is actually getting much further this year. However, the 26-year-old is still working on his consistency, defeats against underdogs are not out of the question.
My Van de Zandschulp Ruud tip
Casper Ruud is heavily favoured by the bookies, but is the Norwegian really strong enough? He has already lost twice to Botic van de Zandschulp, the last time outright a few weeks ago.
If van de Zandschulp is fit again after the Munich defeat, I think he can do well in Rome.
My tip therefore: Van de Zandschulp wins with a handicap bet of +4.5 games!
