Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Djokovic Favored, but Field Wide Open

The Internazionali BNL d'Italia, the final Masters 1000 event before the French Open, kicks off this week with a slightly depleted field. While Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remain as top contenders, the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has opened up the tournament for potential upsets.

Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, enters as the overwhelming favorite at +190 odds. Despite a recent loss to Casper Ruud in Monte Carlo, the Serbian legend has a proven track record of success on clay and will be eager to regain his form.

Ruud, who defeated Djokovic in Monte Carlo, is another strong contender at 11-1 odds. The Norwegian has enjoyed a stellar season, winning 79.5% of his matches and holding at a career-high 87.1%. His impressive clay-court record (135-48) makes him a formidable opponent.

Alexander Zverev, at 13-1 odds, has a favorable draw and a chance to bounce back from a disappointing performance in Madrid. His clay-court game and strong serve make him a threat to any opponent.

Rafael Nadal, the 11-time champion in Rome, faces an uphill battle at 15-1 odds. While he has won three matches in Madrid, his recent performances have raised concerns about his form. His serve has been a particular weakness, and he will need to improve significantly to challenge for the title.

Other players to watch include Stefanos Tsitsipas (10-1), Daniil Medvedev (16-1), Andrey Rublev (18-1), Holger Rune (23-1), Hubert Hurkacz (42-1), and Taylor Fritz (42-1).

The conditions in Rome are typically slower and higher bouncing than other clay-court events, mirroring the conditions at Roland Garros. However, the tournament lacks the massive show courts of Paris, providing a slightly different atmosphere.

With the absence of Alcaraz and Sinner, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia presents an intriguing opportunity for players to make a statement and gain momentum heading into the French Open.

Tags: #InternazionaliBNLdItalia, #Tennis, #ClayCourt, #NovakDjokovic, #RafaelNadal