2019 Italian Open – Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman taking place? Foro Italico, Rome
When is Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman on and what time does it start? Saturday 18th May, 2019 – 19:00 (UK)
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman on? BT Sport (check schedule for specific channel)
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match via the BT Sport Player
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman? https://ticketing.internazionalibnlditalia.com/
THE LOWDOWN
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Novak Djokovic 2-0 Diego Schwartzman
Last meeting: Novak Djokovic beat Diego Schwartzman 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
- Novak Djokovic had to dig deep against Juan Martin del Potro as he had to save two match points in a second set tie-break.
- Djokovic lost the first set 4-6 before racing in to 5-2 lead in the second, only to get pegged back with the Argentine forcing the tie-break and almost snatched the win but Djokovic held his nerve to claim the tie-break before sealing the match in the third set 6-4.
- Another Argentinian lies in wait with Diego Schwartzman his semi-final opponent though Djokovic has gotten the better of him in both of their previous encounters which happened to be at major tournaments.
DIEGO SCHWARTZMAN
- Diego Schwartzman has enjoyed a strong Italian Open so far and it got even better on Friday as he progressed to the semi-finals with a straight-sets win over number 6 seed Kei Nishikori.
- Schwartzman has yet to drop a single set in the tournament so far and his eye-catching victory over Nishikori (6-4, 6-2) keeps his hopes of a first ATP title of the year alive.
- He will have to overcome world number 1 Novak Djokovic if he is to progress his second final of the season and will pose Djokovic some problems like he did when the two last met at Roland Garros in 2017 when the Argentine forced Djokovic to come from two sets to one down.
THE PREDICTION
Novak Djokovic’s hopes of back-to-back Masters titles looked to be on shaky ground when facing Juan Martin del Potro but he kept his cool to save two match points before sealing the win in the third set. He will now face Diego Schwartzman who will believe he can get the better of the Serbian. Five sets were needed at Roland Garros in their last meeting in 2017 and the shorter format may suit Schwartzman but whilst he might take a set off Djokovic, he is likely to fall just short in this contest.
