The 2026 edition of the ATP Rome Masters is upon us as the top players hope to gain much needed match practice before the French Open in a few weeks. There are 16 matches on the slate on day two and as ever, we preview and predict the every match, including Lorenzo Sonego vs Ignacio Buse and Marin Cilic vs Marcos Giron. But who will reach the second round at the Foro Italico?
ATP Rome Day 2 Predictions
Mattia Bellucci vs Roman Andres Burruchaga
Head-to-head: first meeting
Mattia Bellucci has struggled to find consistency throughout the 2026 season, which leaves him coming into this match short on confidence. Roman Andres Burruchaga, by contrast, has posted some solid results on the clay in recent weeks, including a Challenger title, and looks to be heading in the right direction. Both players are comfortable on clay, but Burruchaga appears the more settled and match-ready of the two heading into this contest.
Prediction: Burruchaga in 2
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Dalibor Svrcina
Head-to-head: first meeting
Miomir Kecmanovic is still searching for his first win on the main tour since Indian Wells in what has been a deeply disappointing stretch for the Serbian, who has still not made the most of his talent. He takes on Dalibor Svrcina, who has mainly competed on the Challenger circuit coming into this match. Svrcina should be competitive, but despite being out of form, Kecmanovic’s greater experience at this level could help him navigate this test in what looks likely to be a close contest at the ATP Rome Masters.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Alexei Popyrin
Head-to-head: Berrettini 3-1 Popyrin
This should be an interesting battle. Matteo Berrettini is always dangerous with the home crowd behind him, while Alexei Popyrin has shown he can rise to the occasion on bigger stages – albeit this is not his favourite surface. Popyrin enters this match short of form, whereas the Italian recently picked up wins at Challenger level, reaching the quarterfinals. Both players should hold serve comfortably, but in the key moments Berrettini looks better placed to dictate play with confidence and aggression. He should have the edge at the ATP Rome Masters on home soil.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: Navone 1-0 Shapovalov
This could be an upset on the cards. Denis Shapovalov is often vulnerable on clay early on in tournaments whilst he is searching for rhythm, and Mariano Navone is consistent enough to draw repeated errors out of the Canadian if Shapovalov looks to force the issue. Shapovalov suffered a heavy loss in Madrid, where the conditions should suit him, while Navone lifted the title in Bucharest not too long ago. Expect Navone’s solid game to trouble Shapovalov and potentially see him pull off the upset.
Prediction: Navone in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
