The Italian Open 2021 is off to a flying start and will host a gripping matchup in the second round. 20-year-old Canadian World No.21 Felix Auger-Aliassime will lock horns with 28-year-old Argentine World No.10 Diego Schwartzman.

Both are always on the watch-out for players’ list in each tournament, especially on a clay surface. Thus, meeting so early in the competition, they’ll put everything in this match.

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Diego Schwartzman vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime: Preview

Felix Auger-Aliassime has unquestionably shown great promise since last year. But despite coming through some challenging encounters, he hasn’t been able to live up to the expectations this year.

Currently, the Canadian has a 12-8 record on the ATP Tour. Moreover, his best result came in his tournament of the year, reaching the finals in ATP 250 Melbourne 2.

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At the Italian Open, Felix defeated Serbian Filip Krajinovic 3-6, 7-5(5), 4-6. He will now meet Diego Schwartzman, who had been waiting for him in Round 2.

The Argentine professional is one of the mightiest challenges on red soil. However, he also has had a questionable start to his 2021 season.

Interestingly enough, even Schwartzman has a 12-8 record on the men’s circuit. However, he won a title on his home turf, the Argentina Open, this year.

Naturally, he will be looking forward to finding his winning ways before the French Open starts. Hence, a match against the high-quality Canadian player will be a perfect test for him.

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Schwartzman vs. Auger-Aliassime: Head-to-Head

The duo met last year at the Cologne 2 tournament in Germany for the first time. Schwartzman won that match 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 and leads the head-to-head battle 1-0. Felix will aim to level the terms at the Italian Open.

Schwartzman vs. Auger-Aliassime: Prediction

Given their previous results, they would both be eager to win this match. But experience and the conditions will provide Schwartzman a considerable advantage over Auger-Aliassime.

The Canadian has to maintain a high first-serve percentage to make a crack against Diego. Moreover, he would want to strategize points and not engage in longer rallies with the Argentine on clay.

However, the defending finalist of the Italian Open would not go down quickly. Diego will tease Felix by returning a large number of balls.

In the end, it is a battle to look forward to at the beginning of the Italian Open. Only the best player on the day will move forward in the third round.

Prediction: Schwartzman def. Auger-Aliassime in three sets.

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