PREVIEW | ATP Rome Open 2025 Day Six: Jannik Sinner's return continues, Ruud vs Berrettini clash looms

Monday, 12 May 2025 at 08:19

The Day Six of the ATP Rome Open will determine the final 8 players to advance to the Round of 16, with Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud as the big names taking to the court. The world No. 1 returns for his second match after a victorious comeback from suspension and will look to continue gaining rhythm against an unexpected opponent.

Casper Ruud and Matteo Berrettini are likely to play the match of the day, on a day with players like Alex De Minaur, Jakub Mensik, Hubert Hurkacz, and Tommy Paul all seeking their place in the Round of 16 of the Italian Open.

Locals Take Center Stage

The 3-time Grand Slam champion Sinner comfortably defeated Argentine Mariano Navone in his debut (6-4, 6-4), marking his definitive return to the Tour after suspension. Without playing his best tennis, Sinner was convincing in securing the victory, and this time he faces Jesper De Jong, a lucky loser who surprisingly eliminated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (25th seed) 6-0, 6-2 and will be a good challenge for the local to add another win.

The former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini is another local who will take to the court today, facing none other than Casper Ruud (No. 6), the recent champion at the Madrid Open. With a head-to-head record led by Ruud 4-3 (3-1 on clay), the Norwegian arrives with confidence after achieving the most important title of his career last week and riding a 7-match winning streak on the surface. However, Berrettini can draw extra energy from the support of the local fans to bring joy to the home crowd.

De Minaur and Mensik seek Rome round of 16

Alex De Minaur will also be in action, facing lucky loser Hugo Dellien, who is making only his first appearance in the third round of a Masters 1000 after taking advantage of Felix Auger-Aliassime's late withdrawal and defeating qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild. De Minaur has shown consistency on the surface, with an 8-3 record on clay courts this season, with his only losses against Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti.

It will also be the turn of Czech Jakub Mensik, champion of the recent Miami Open and who reached the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open. The 19-year-old is beginning to show that he can replicate his great performances on clay courts and will face Hungarian Fabian Marozsan for a place in the Round of 16.