Italian Open 2020: Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
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In what can be deemed as an entertaining affair, World No.1 Novak Djokovic will lock horns against eighth-seed Diego Schwartzman in the championship match at the Italian Open 2020. It will be a rematch of the last year’s semifinal at the same event, where Djokovic had to dig deep before overcoming the challenge of Schwartzman in a three-set thriller.
Talking about the road to the final, Djokovic hasn’t had the most clinical of the tournaments so far. The 33-year old Serb has faced stiff resistance in his previous three matches. Nevertheless, the 17-time Major winner made it the summit clash after outclassing Norwegian Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3. The victory, however, wasn’t as smooth as the scoreline suggests because Djokovic had to save two set points in the opening set against Ruud.
On the other hand, Diego Schwartzman did the unthinkable by getting past the ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the quarterfinal. The semifinal against ever-improving Denis Shapovalov, though, wasn’t at all easy and the momentum swung like a pendulum throughout the encounter. In the end, the 28-year old Argentine made it to his first ATP Masters 1000 final after edging past Shapovalov 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 in what can very well turn out to be the ‘match of the tournament’.
Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman: Head-to-Head
Djokovic has never lost to Schwartzman in their four meetings before today’s summit clash. Last time the two men faced each other was in the fourth round in this year’s Australian Open. The Serb secured a straight-set victory over his opponent 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. So, Djokovic leads the head-to-head record 4-0.
Novak Djokovic vs Diego Schwartzman: Prediction
Djokovic is aiming for his fifth title in Foro Italico and is effectively 30-1 in the win-loss record this season. He is yet to be legitimately beaten this year, the Serb’s only loss coming when he got defaulted in the US Open. Moreover, Djokovic would like to win this year in Rome after ending on the losing side in the final last year.
It is evident that Djokovic hasn’t properly adjusted to clay yet and Schwartzman, who has nothing to lose and everything to gain today, will look to exploit his opponent’s weakness. Having said that, the Argentine must be facing the fatigue of the marathon match played by him yesterday and it will be interesting to see how much he has recovered.
It seems to be 36th Masters title for Djokovic, making him go past Nadal for the most ATP Masters 1000 trophies.
Italian Open 2020 Champion prediction: Novak Djokovic defeats Diego Schwartzman in a contest that may not go to the distance but has all the ingredients to be an entertaining affair.
Also Read: Italian Open 2020: Schwartzman gets past Shapovalov in a three-set thriller
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Kushagra Gupta
(349 Articles Published)