Italian Open 2020: Dusan Lajovic vs Rafael Nadal Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Italian Open 2020: Dusan Lajovic vs Rafael Nadal Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Rafael Nadal vs Dusan Lajovic

Rafael Nadal vs Dusan Lajovic

Defending champion and second-seed Rafael Nadal will have one eye on the quarterfinal spot when he faces Dusan Lajovic in a Round of 16 encounter at the Italian Open 2020. While many doubted Nadal’s form as he was participating in an event after seven months, the Spaniard silenced them with a stupendous show in his previous match.

Dusan Lajovic vs Rafael Nadal: Preview

Rafael Nadal

Talking about the performance in the tournament so far, Dusan Lajovic had an easy opening round contest as he outclassed qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. In the next round, the 30-year old Serb stunned former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic. World No.25, Lajovic fought hard before overcoming the Canadian 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 in a three-set thriller.

On the other hand, World No.2 Nadal was expected to get a stiff resistance from the recently concluded US Open semifinalist and compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta. However the 19-time Major winner thrashed and demolished Busta enroute to a very satisfying 6-1, 6-1 win in Round of 32. The Spaniard had earlier received a bye in the first round.

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Dusan Lajovic vs Rafael Nadal: Head-to-Head

Dusan Lajovic

Prior to their meeting at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome, the two athletes have faced each other twice. Nadal has been the winner on both occasions. Their last meeting came in the first round of the US Open in 2017, where Rafael Nadal did not face any problem defeating Lajovic in straight sets 7-6, 6-2, 6-2. So Nadal leads the head-to-head record 2-0.

Dusan Lajovic vs Rafael Nadal: Prediction

Rafael Nadal

There is no need of a proof to the fact that when it comes to clay, Nadal is altogether a different beast, as was evident in his match against Pablo Carreno Busta. It is a certainty that the trend will continue and Lajovic will have to face the same fate, if not worse.

Match Prediction: Rafael Nadal defeats Dusan Lajovic in a one-sided contest without even breaking a sweat.