Australian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Fabio Fognini – Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

20-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal will face Italian Fabio Fognini in the fourth round of Australian Open 2021.

Match Details:

• Fixture: Rafael Nadal vs Fabio Fognini
• Date: 15 February 2021
• Tournament: Australian Open 2021
• Round: 4th Round
• Venue: Melbourne, Australia
• Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
• Prize Money: 245,920 $ (USD)

Rafael Nadal vs Fabio Fognini: Preview

Spaniard Rafael Nadal is looking to win his record 21st major at Australian Open 2021 and he has cleared the initial hurdles well. He looked phenomenal in the third round match against  Cameron Norrie, beating the Briton in straight sets 7-5,6-2,7-5.

Despite having injury concerns pre-tournament, Nadal seems to be on top of his game at the moment. The world no.2 was in control throughout the entire match, and even admitted that he is completely fit now.

Nobody would want to face a fully fit Rafa, but Fabio Fognini will have to lock horns with the Spaniard in the 4th round. The Italian seems to have found his touch as he defeated the likes of Pablo Carreño Busta and Benoît Paire in the ATP Cup to take his team into the Final.

He carried the momentum in the Australian Open too defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Salvatore Caruso in the first two rounds before getting the better of Australian no.1 Alex de Minaur in the third round.

Rafael Nadal vs Fabio Fognini: Head-to-Head

This will be a whopping 17th meeting between the duo. The rivalry started back in 2013 with Nadal leading the H2H 12-4. Nadal won the last time they played at Canada in 2019 in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal vs Fabio Fognini: Prediction

Some may say that without any fans in Melbourne Park, there was no support for the local lad Alex de Minaur in their third round match and Fognini took full advantage despite having gone into the encounter as a second-favourite.

But the Italian put on a valiant show and showcased his form. Nadal on the other hand, has fully recovered from his niggles and is eyeing his chances for the record 21st slam.

The world no.2 will go as a heavy favorite in the encounter but will have to be wary of the Italian’s newly found aggression. Expect Nadal to win in 3 tight sets.

Prediction: Nadal to win in straight sets

Also read: “The feeling is completely different” says Nadal when asked about the absence of fans in the stands