2021 ATP Cup Group C – Fabio Fognini vs Benoit Paire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Fabio Fognini vs Benoit Paire taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Fabio Fognini vs Benoit Paire on and what time does it start? Tuesday 2nd February, 2021 – Not before 23:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Fabio Fognini vs Benoit Paire? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Fabio Fognini vs Benoit Paire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Fabio Fognini vs Benoit Paire in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
FABIO FOGNIN
- Fabio Fognini admitted his performance against Dennis Novak was poor in a straight-sets defeat to the much lower-ranked Austrian, though he made amends alongside Matteo Berrettini in the deciding doubles to see Team Italy win the tie.
- The 33-year-old will face Benoit Paire for a fifth time and on the wrong end of a 3-1 head-to-head record, though the pair have not met since a five-set throwdown at the 2017 Australian Open.
BENOIT PAIRE
- Benoit Paire struggled with fitness and form after the August restart to the tennis season last year and could struggle to stay in the top 30 in 2021 as so many young players continue to improve.
- The Frenchman was part of a spirited Team France at last year’s inaugural ATP Cup where he played three deciding set singles matches, beating Nicolas Jarry and Dusan Lajovic but falling to Kevin Anderson to see France miss the cut.
THE PREDICTION
After Team Italy scraped past Team Austria thanks to the surprising grit of Matteo Berrettini, Fabio Fognini will be eager to make amends for his poor performance against Dennis Novak. Although he has lost some big matches to Benoit Paire over the years, the Italian’s form will surely pick up after his doubles win alongside Berrettini and both he and Paire are no stranger to a long match on court. The likelihood of this going to a decider is high, although we will have to wait and see what kind of shape the 31-year-old is having not played a competitive match since October. Paire ended 2020 on a three-match losing streak but he is a combative personality that should fight for a set here. Fognini to win in three looks the likeliest outcome in this one with neither at their best.
