2021 ATP Cup Semi-Final – Fabio Fognini vs Pablo Carreno Busta Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Fabio Fognini vs Pablo Carreno Busta taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Fabio Fognini vs Pablo Carreno Busta on and what time does it start? Saturday 6th February, 2021 – Not before TBC (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Fabio Fognini vs Pablo Carreno Busta? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Fabio Fognini vs Pablo Carreno Busta on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Fabio Fognini vs Pablo Carreno Busta in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
FABIO FOGNINI
- 33-year-old Fabio Fognini was able to make up for his first round loss against Austria’s Denis Novak with a straight-sets defeat of Benoit Paire to help Team Italy qualify for the semi-finals.
- The world number 17 linked up well with Team Italy’s first option Mateo Berrettini in the doubles decider against Team Austria and they will be a potent pair if this semi-final goes to a decider.
PABLO CARRENO BUSTA
- World number 16 Pablo Carreno Busta continued to fill in as Spain’s third option with aplomb after he won his second ATP Cup tie if the week in straight sets against Greece’s Michail Pervolarakis.
- It appears that Rafael Nadal will not be fit in time for the semi-finals here and if that is the case it is unlikely he will play the final out of fairness to Carreno Busta, who clinched the semi-final place with his third match win of the week.
THE PREDICTION
29-year-old Pablo Carreno Busta enjoyed an excellent year on tour last season despite the pandemic disrupting his rhythm and he has won two singles and a doubles match this week, with Spain throwing the dead rubber doubles match against Greece in anticipation of this semi-final. With Rafael Nadal now likely looking to recover in time for the Australian Open first round next week, PCB is an incredible third option to be able to bring into fill Roberto Bautista Gut’s shoes and he has a stupendous record against Fabio Fognini. The Italian has never beaten Pablo Carreno Busta in seven previous meetings, their last coming at the Hamburg Open in 2019. Since then, the players have arguably gone in different directions. PCB’s form looks to have continued from last season whilst Fognini is slowly drifting down the ATP rankings. Carreno Busta’s usual unflappability should see him weather any flurry of form Fognini can put forward and the Spaniard should be able to take this match in straight sets to put one foot in the door for Team Spain.
