Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin Preview & Prediction | 2025 Italian Open | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts! 

Alexander Bublik is up against Roman Safiullin for a place in the second-round of the Italian Open, where the winner will face Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud.

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: Wednesday 7th May, 2025: UK – not before TBC / US ET – not before TBC / US PT – not before TBC

Venue: Foro Italico, Rome, Italy

Surface: Outdoor clay

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin ticket information

Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin prediction

Alexander Bublik impressed with a fine run last time out, beating the likes of Alexei Popyrin and Andrey Rublev to reach the round-of-16 stage of the Madrid Open. He was blown away by Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik, losing 6-2 6-2 but this was a step in the right direction for the Kazakhstani, and he will want to carry that momentum on with a similar run in Rome. 

He takes on Roman Safiullin for a place in the next round to face Casper Ruud. Safuillin fared worse in Madrid, losing in the first-round to Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets. He’s only played one other clay event in Oeiras on the Challenger tour, making the semi-finals as the second seed.

These two have never played each other on clay but have faced off once before at the Shanghai Open last year. Safiullin comfortably defeated Bubilk 6-4 6-2 that day. These two are evenly matched in terms of their ranking, with just one place separating Bubilk in 76th and his opponent in 77th.

Bubilk is in the better form and despite his unpredictability, we think he will maintain his level from Madrid and win this one in straight sets.

Alexander Bublik vs Roman Safiullin tip: Alexander Bubilk to win 2-0