The Italian Open 2021 is through with the second round and has 16 title contenders left. Two of them, fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and ninth seed Matteo Berrettini, will battle for a place in the quarterfinals.

Both are inarguably showing their class on the clay surface this year. Thus, it will go down as one of the most compelling matchups of the Italian Open third round.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Matteo Berrettini: Preview

The highest-ranked Greek professional has produced exceptional results on the red soil so far. He is the Monte-Carlo Masters winner and the Barcelona Open finalist in 2021.

Although he crashed out early in Madrid Open, the 22-year-old is looking refreshed at the Italian Open. In his opening match, Stefanos Tsitsipas beat 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic 7-5, 6-2.

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Italian No.1 Matteo Berrettini has also earned considerably on the clay surface in 2021. After losing in the first round in Monte-Carlo, the 25-year-old went on to win the Serbia Open title and finished runner-up at the Madrid Open.

At the Italian Open, Berrettini defeated reigning Qatar Open winner Nikoloz Basilashvili and Aussie star John Millman. He is now up against one of the best active clay-courters on the ATP tour.

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Tsitsipas vs. Berrettini: Head-to-Head

Before this match, Tsitsipas and Berrettini met each other at the 2019 Australian Open. The Greek won that match 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(4) and consequently leads 1-0 in head-to-head clashes.

Additionally, they were also set to meet at the Australian Open this year, but Berrettini pulled out due to an abdominal injury. Thus, the Italian will now try to level up on his home turf at a Masters 1000 event.

Tsitsipas vs. Berrettini: Prediction

While the Greek has an eye-pleasing playing style, the Italian is all about raw power. Accordingly, their distinctive personalities make this matchup even more palpable.

Unquestionably, Tsitsipas will look to put pressure on Berrettini using his one-hand backhand extensively. His point engineering and coming to the net frequently are also some of the Greek’s most used weapons.

On the other side, the Italian has a big serve and is known for his blistering forehand groundstrokes. But whether the surface helps Berrettini or not would be a game-changing aspect.

Since the Italian is playing on his home turf, there is a slight advantage for him against the young Athenian. However, considering past performances, Tsitsipas would be a sure-short favorite among the two. Let us see what strategy they bring in Rome to book a berth in the last eight.

Prediction: Tsitsipas def. Berrettini in three sets.

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