2021 Italian Open Round of 16 – Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev on and what time does it start? Thursday 13th May, 2021 – Not before 09:00 (UK)
What surface is Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Reilly Opelka vs Aslan Karatsev in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number 47 Reilly Opelka looks to be finding some form finally this season with back-to-back straight sets wins over Richard Gasquet and, impressively, against Lorenzo Musetti in the second round. The American entered the Italian Open with an awful 2/7 record but he should be able to springboard from here into the summer if he continues in this way. Tabloids might be surprised to see world number 27 Aslan Karatsev beating world number three Daniil Medvedev in straight sets on Wednesday but the 27-year-old has been in excellent form too and this is a vastly intriguing first meeting as a result. Karatsev has beaten top 10 players five times this year now and the wily Russian should have more than enough to outwit Opelka’s pure power in straight sets. However, Opelka needed confidence from this week and found it so it would be wiser to take Karatsev to win outright here.
