The ATP Masters 1000 Rome Round of 16 on May 12 features two players riding impressive winning streaks alongside one overwhelming favourite. Jannik Sinner continues to dominate the tour and looks set for another commanding performance against Andrea Pellegrino. At the same time, Nikoloz Basilashvili’s strong run through qualifying and the main draw could make him a dangerous opponent for Andrey Rublev in what promises to be a competitive clash.
ATP Masters 1000 Rome 1/8-Finals
Sinner – Pellegrino: 12.05.2026 15:00 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Jannik Sinner has won twenty-five consecutive matches. Last week in Madrid, Sinner won the title, defeating Zverev in the final in straight sets. This week in Rome, Sinner defeated Ofner in the opening match in straight sets. He offered no breakpoints. In the third round, the Italian demolished Popyrin in just over an hour. He offered and saved only one breakpoint and lost two games altogether.
Andrea Pellegrino has won five straight matches. This week in Rome, the Italian qualified for the main draw of the tournament. In the opening main draw round, Pellegrino outlasted Nardi in three sets after losing the opening set. He was great under pressure in the deciding set. In the second round, Fils retired mid-match after being 0-4 down against the Italian. Pellegrino upset Tiafoe in the third round, winning in straight sets. He saved two set points in the opening set.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Sinner is the clear favourite in this matchup, and we agree. No one is near his level at the moment. Pellegrino has no weapons to match his game, and we expect Sinner to get another comfortable win.
That being said, Sinner covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Jannik Sinner -7.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Rublev – Basilashvili: 12.05.2026 15:30 CEST
H2H: 4-3
Andrey Rublev has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Kopriva upset the Russian in the opening round in straight sets. This week in Rome, Rublev defeated Kecmanovic in the opening match in straight sets. In the third round, the Russian defeated Davidovich Fokina in straight sets. Last season in Rome, Rublev lost to Marozsan in the second round.
Nikoloz Basilashvili has won five straight matches. This week in Rome, Basilashvili qualified for the main draw of the tournament. In the opening main draw round, Basilashvili defeated Merida Aguilar in three tight sets. His toughest match happened in the second round against Shelton. After playing for almost three hours, the Georgian upset Shelton in three tight sets. In the third round, Basilashvili defeated Nakashima in straight sets. He served well throughout the match.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Rublev is the clear favourite in this matchup, but we disagree. Basilashvili played his best tennis this week, and when he delivers his best tennis, he is always a dangerous opponent. He has already defeated Rublev three times, and we expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Basilashvili covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Nikoloz Basilashvili +3.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports