2021 Italian Open Second Round – Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Wednesday 12th May, 2021 – Not before 17:00 (UK)
What surface is Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Jannik Sinner vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
After his defeat at the hands of eventual Madrid Open winner Alexander Zverev last week, Rafael Nadal will start his Italian Open campaign off with a little more trepidation than he usually does here. The 34-year-old has won this event a staggering nine times, last taking the title against Novak Djokovic in 2019, as part of his usual explosive route through the European clay court season to his final destination at Roland-Garros. However, he has rarely had to face such a tough first match as the world number 18 Jannik Sinner, who made short work of Ugo Humbert on Monday. 19-year-old Sinner lost to Nadal in three sets in their first meeting, at last season’s delayed Roland-Garros, but he troubled the Spaniard in the first set and he has come on leaps and bounds since then with two ATP titles to his name and a first Masters final reached in Miami last month.
Nadal should still win this as he is unlikely to underestimate this young prodigy, destined for the top 10 sooner rather than later, but the brave pick here would be to take Sinner to win at least a set. The likes of Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Kei Nishikori have taken sets off the world number three recently and Sinner should be considered part of that esteemed company now if not soon. Nadal to win 2-1 looks likelier than Nadal in two but both should be taken with caution.
