The ATP Masters 1000 Rome first round on May 7 features several matchups where clay-court comfort could prove decisive. Hamad Medjedovic brings strong recent form and a perfect head-to-head record into his clash with Valentin Royer. At the same time, Sebastian Ofner looks well-suited to exploit the surface against Alex Michelsen. Meanwhile, clay specialist Mariano Navone appears to have the stylistic edge over Denis Shapovalov.
ATP Masters 1000 Rome 1/64-Finals
Medjedovic – Royer: 07.05.2026 15:30 CEST
H2H: 2-0
Hamad Medjedovic has won four of his last five matches. The last match he played was in Barcelona, where he lost to Rublev in the semifinals in three sets. Last season in Rome, Medjedovic lost in the opening round to Virtanen in straight sets.
Valentin Royer has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Aix en Provence, the Frenchman lost to Coppejans in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. This is his debut campaign in the main draw in Rome. Last season in Rome, Royer failed to qualify.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Medjedovic is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He had a decent run in Barcelona under similar conditions and leads 2-0 in head-to-head meetings against Royer without dropping a set. We expect the Serb to dominate and get a comfortable win.
That being said, Medjedovic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Hamad Medjedovic -3.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Ofner – Michelsen: 07.05.2026 16:30 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Sebastian Ofner has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Aix en Provence, Ofner lost to Hijikata in the second round in three sets. Last season in Rome, the Austrian lost to Cerundolo in the third round in straight sets.
Alex Michelsen has lost four of his last five matches. Last week in Aix-en-Provence, the American lost to Martin Tiffon in the opening match, three sets to one. Last season in Rome, Michelsen lost to Djere in the second round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Ofner is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a way better clay-court player than Michelsen. He has also played more clay-court matches this season, and we expect him to keep the rallies long and win.
That being said, Ofner winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Sebastian Ofner winning @1.57 @bet365
Shapovalov – Navone: 07.05.2026 17:00 CEST
H2H: 0-1
Denis Shapovalov has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Madrid, Shapovalov lost in the opening match against Budkov Kjaer in straight sets. Last season in Rome, Shapovalov lost to Gaubas in the second round in straight sets.
Mariano Navone has lost three of his last five matches. Last week in Cagliari, Navone lost to Berrettini in the 1/8-Finals in straight sets. Last season in Rome, the Argentine lost to Sinner in the second round in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Navone is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a clay-court specialist and will dominate the rallies. We expect him to dominate.
That being said, Navone winning is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Mariano Navone winning @1.53 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images