On Thursday in Rome, the prevailing theme will be established veterans taking on the new generation.
A trio of two-time Major champions will face three of the WTA’s most impressive young talents: an American teenager who was tennis’ breakout star last summer, a 24-year-old who already has 23 wins in this abbreviated season, and a 21-year-old who was the shocking winner of this year’s Australian Open. On the men’s side, 30-somethings Kei Nishikori, Gael Monfils, and Fabio Fognini will all battle opposition approximately a decade their junior. What will win out on Thursday: experience, or youth?
Sofia Kenin (3) vs. Victoria Azarenka (SE)
In their only prior encounter, youth prevailed. 18 months ago in Acapulco, Kenin pulled out one of the most significant wins of her burgeoning career, 7-5 in the third. But this is a very different Azarenka that Kenin faces today. After years of injuries, personal setbacks, and tough draws, Vika is back in a big way. Following four consecutive losses prior to last month’s Western & Southern Open, Azarenka is now on a 12-1 run. Once she got a few wins under her sails, the floodgates have opened. While Kenin is rarely an easy out, she also doesn’t possess any significant weapons to contain a reborn Azarenka, who remains one of the game’s best returners. The two-time Australian Open champion should be favored to overcome Melbourne’s most recent victor.
Kei Nishikori vs. Lorenzo Musetti (Q)
Musetti has a lot of the tennis world talking after his startling upset of Stan Wawrinka on Tuesday night. Lorenzo, the 249th-ranked player in the world, was the junior champion of the Australian in 2019. Two evenings ago, he dominantly took the first set from Wawrinka 6-0. But even more impressively, he did not fold after donating a second-set lead, persevering to complete the win in straights. His one-handed backhand is a thing of beauty, and his composure is noteworthy. Is Italy’s new star ready to dismiss another top name? Kei Nishikori missed a year of action due to an elbow injury and the pandemic, and is 1-1 since returning. Nishikori certainly has a solid clay resume, but he’s currently far from his best. In a week where Italian men have exceled, another Roman conquering is not out of the question.
Other Notable Matches on Day 4:
Garbine Muguruza (9) vs. Coco Gauff. Coco routed an in-form One Jabeur in the last round, while Muguruza comfortably excused another American, Sloane Stephens.
Anett Kontaveit (14) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova. Their only previous meeting occurred in Rome two years ago, with Kontaveit winning after two tight sets.
In his first match since February, Gael Monfils (5) vs. Dominik Koepfer (Q), who upset Alex de Minaur in a third set tiebreak on Tuesday.
Fabio Fognini (7) vs. Ugo Humbert. The 22-year-old Frenchman won his first ATP title earlier this year in Auckland. Fognini has only once reached the quarterfinals in twelve past appearances at his country’s biggest tournament.
In a rematch of a dramatic fourth round match from 11 days ago at the US Open, Petra Martic (8) vs. Yulia Putintseva.
And in a battle between two rising ATP prospects, Andrey Rublev (9) vs. Hubert Hurkacz.
Full order of play is here.
