Mattia Bellucci vs Casper Ruud Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | First Round
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Results have not gone Casper Ruud’s way of late and he’ll be hoping to turn things around against another player out of form in Mattia Bellucci.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Mattia Bellucci vs Casper Ruud ticket information
Mattia Bellucci vs Casper Ruud prediction
Both Mattia Bellucci and Casper Ruud come into this first round tie having each lost four of their last five competitive games. For 24-year-old Bellucci, it certainly doesn’t get any easier here at a tournament where he is yet to make the second round in the singles main draw. At least being in the main draw represents progress, with the Italian having lost in qualifying the past two years.
Casper Ruud has not enjoyed the sort of success at the Australian Open that he has in other Grand Slams such as the French Open and US Open. The Norwegian has reached the fourth round just once across his career. However, Ruud has at least made it past the first round in each of the last three years.
It would be a significant surprise if Ruud didn’t do the same in this one. He is a much better player than Bellucci and the surface shouldn’t be a factor, so back the Norwegian to win in three.
Mattia Bellucci vs Casper Ruud tip: Casper Ruud to win 3-0
