2021 Italian Open Semi-Final – Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego on and what time does it start? Saturday 15th May, 2021 – Not before 17:30 (UK)
What surface is Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Sonego 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 one Novak Djokovic staged a thrilling comeback from a set down against Stefanos Tsitsipas early on Saturday to complete a quarter-final that was washed-out on Friday afternoon. The five-time Italian Open champion played a high-intensity match with Tsitsipas and will need to recover in the nick of time to face home favourite Lorenzo Sonego less than six hours later, though the Italian also had to complete his own stunning victory on Saturday. World number 33 Sonego was emphatic in defeating Andrey Rublev but he may not have done so without the boisterous Rome crowd behind him and that could bring him further fortune here. The 26-year-old will face Djokovic for the second time and will hope he gets to leave this encounter with his 100% win record over the Serb after he shocked Djokovic 6-2, 6-1 at last year’s Vienna Open. Sonego played the best tennis of his career in Vienna last year and he should fare less well on clay against the best defender the game has ever seen but the crowd’s backing and his own self-belief that he has beaten Djokovic before could all come together for a historic victory here.
The brave pick here would be for Sonego to win at least a set as he has come through two vastly impressive wins over Dominic Thiem and Rublev to reach this stage. 33-year-old Djokovic has also not coped well in the past when the crowd turn against him for a home favourite, especially somewhere he feels he has earned respect by winning so many titles. All that points to a set for the Italian and possibly even the upset, though taking the world number one to win outright here is still the sensible line.
