ATP Rome Day 1 Predictions Including Gael Monfils vs Thiago Monteiro

Alex Michelsen vs Pavel Kotov

Head-to-Head: first meeting

19-year-old American Alex Michelsen has had a solid season in his first full year on the tour. Unfortunately, his fortunes have not been as kind on the clay. He is just 1-5 on the dirt, with his lone victory coming over the 473rd-ranked player in the world. Pavel Kotov is a strong clay-courter and reached the third round of the Madrid Masters last week. He should be able to extend rallies and neutralize Michelsen’s power.

Prediction: Kotov in 3

Miomir Kecmanovic vs Brandon Nakashima

Head-to-Head: Kecmanovic 1-0 Nakashima

Brandon Nakashima has been working his way back from a knee injury this season and has played just 11 tour-level main draw matches. The 22-year-old American has shown promise on the clay but has traditionally been a better hardcourt player. Miomir Kecmanovic is 3-4 on the dirt this season but has battled against the world’s best. Look for Kecmanovic to use variety to push Nakashima around the court and put his fitness to the test at ATP Rome.

Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3

Gael Monfils vs Thiago Monteiro

Head-to-Head: Monfils 1-2 Monteiro

Surprisingly, Thiago Monteiro holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against Gael Monfils. However, they have not met on the clay in over six years. The Brazilian cruised through qualifying and is coming off the Madrid Masters, where he reached the third round, including a win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Monfils is 2-3 on the dirt this year and has struggled with consistency. Monteiro is not a guy you want to play when you are not in form. Look for the lefty to defend well from the corners and try unleashing counterpunches. I’ll back the upset here.

Prediction: Monteiro in 3