Expect an action-packed day at the Rome Open: Our preview as Quarter-Finals begin

The schedule for Tuesday, May 14th of the Rome Open has been revealed, with the round of 16 in the ATP draw, while the WTA draw begins with its first quarter-final matchups.

Our preview looks ahead to some of the top ties and leading storylines ahead of Day Eight at the Rome Open and which matches to look out for.

Zverev, Fritz, and Tsitsipas headline the Center Court

The last eight players to continue in the competition will be determined in an open draw for all. The day kicks off with Taylor Fritz (No. 13) facing Grigor Dimitrov (No. 10) for the third time in their careers, all on clay and with one victory each. Both have lived up to their billing in previous rounds and have yet to drop a set so far.

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The third seed Alexander Zverev (No. 5) returns to the central court to face Portuguese Nuno Borges (No. 53), who is enjoying his best performance in a Masters 1000, reaching the last 16 for the first time. The German has been flawless with his service and has yet to lose a set. Another enticing match of the day will be between Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 8) and Alex De Minaur (No. 11). The Greek comes in with an impressive record of 12-2 on clay courts, although the Australian will be confident after overcoming recent Madrid Open finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 15) in a marathon match.

Tabilo caused an upset by defeating Djokovic 6-3, 6-3. The Chilean is aiming for his second victory against a top-20 player against Karen Khachanov (No. 18).

On the Grand Stand Arena, the surprising Alejandro Tabilo (No. 32) faces Russian Karen Khachanov (No. 18). The Chilean caused an upset in the tournament by defeating Novak Djokovic in the third round and aims to reach his first quarter-finals of a Masters 1000. The Russian has shown a great level in the clay swing and comes off a comfortable straight-sets victory over clay specialist Francisco Cerundolo (No. 22)

Later on, Brazilian Thiago Monteiro, who came through qualifying, takes on Chinese Zhizhen Zhang (No. 56), followed by Nicolas Jarry (No. 24), who overcame locals Arnaldi and Napolitano and now faces Frenchman Alexandre Müller (No. 109) from qualifying.

Finally, Tommy Paul (No. 16) awaits the winner of the clash between Hamad Medjedovic (No. 121) or the defending champion Daniil Medvedev (No. 4). Meanwhile, Hubert Hurkacz (No. 9) awaits the finalist from 2023 Holger Rune (No. 12) or Argentine Sebastian Baez (No. 19)

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Two stellar matchups in the women’s draw

Without major surprises, the women's quarter-finals begin. The world No. 1 will once again face Madison Keys (No. 16) less than two weeks after their meeting in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. The American has won seven of her last eight matches on clay, including four victories against top-20 players, with the only exception being a loss to Swiatek. The Polish player fought a bit harder than usual against former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber (No. 331), especially in a tough first set, but ultimately claimed the match in straight sets 7-5, 6-3.

The day will conclude with American Coco Gauff (No. 3) facing the sensation from China, Qinwen Zheng (No. 7), in their first WTA-level encounter. The 2023 US Open champion is coming off a great comeback against Paula Badosa (No. 126) by 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, and a victory against the Asian player will give her the world No. 2 ranking if Aryna Sabalenka does not advance.

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On Zheng's side, after the Australian Open final, she hadn't found her best form, but in Rome, she seems increasingly comfortable on clay. Zheng has already defeated teenager Linda Noskova (No. 29) in a hard-fought match 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 and then easily overcame former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka (No. 173) by 6-2, 6-4.

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Rome ATP Masters 1000 Order of play - Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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