Alexei Popyrin vs Matteo Berrettini Prediction & Picks - ATP Italian Open

Prediction published on 5/7/26, 1:51 AM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 5/7/26 at 6:45 AM in ATP Italian Open Picks

Clay courts have allowed Matteo Berrettini to get back on track after a mixed start to the season. The Italian will never again be the player capable of reaching a Grand Slam final (Wimbledon 2021), largely due to injuries. But he isn’t giving up and continues to face the obstacles that come his way. A third-round appearance in Monte Carlo, a first-round exit in Madrid, and a quarterfinal at the Cagliari Challenger, these are the latest results for the world No. 100. With the support of his fans, Matteo Berrettini will aim to advance to the second round, where Jakub Mensik awaits him, a mission that will first require him to defeat Alexei Popyrin.

Much like his previous season, the Australian is struggling in 2026. Nine first-round exits in 12 tournaments played, a record that highlights the problems faced by the world No. 60. His recent outings in Monte Carlo and Madrid have not been the most reassuring, with performances far from satisfactory for a player who has won a Masters 1000 title in the past (Montreal 2024). In search of confidence and certainty, Alexei Popyrin hopes to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. But there’s no secret to it: to get there, only victories will allow him to rediscover his best tennis.