The Internazionali BNL d’Italia continues to build momentum as Day 3 brings several intriguing matchups featuring rising stars, experienced veterans and players carrying strong form into Rome.
One of the standout matches sees Belgium’s Alexander Blockx take on Italian teenager Federico Cina. Blockx has quickly become one of the ATP Tour’s breakout names after an impressive run to the Madrid Open semifinals pushed him into the world’s Top 40.
The 21-year-old has attracted attention for his aggressive baseline game, highlighted by a powerful serve and heavy forehand. Against him will be 19-year-old Cina, who enters with home support behind him as he continues to build his professional career after a successful junior period.
Although Cina has shown promise, Blockx’s recent performances at the highest level make him the favorite heading into the contest.
Source: Bounces
Former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova will also be in action as she looks to continue her surprising resurgence. The Czech veteran produced one of her best tournaments in recent years by reaching the Madrid quarterfinals, showing flashes of the form that once made her one of the most dangerous players on tour.
Now ranked outside the elite positions she once occupied, Pliskova returns to a venue where she has previously enjoyed major success, having won the Rome title in 2019 and reached two additional finals.
She faces Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in their first career meeting. While Bouzas Maneiro arrives with youth and momentum on her side, Pliskova’s experience and confidence on the Rome clay could prove decisive.
Another highly anticipated match features Croatian rising star Dino Prizmic against Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. Prizmic has continued his rapid climb up the rankings following impressive victories over Matteo Berrettini and Ben Shelton in Madrid.
The 20-year-old has built a reputation for his physical style and composure under pressure, while Fucsovics brings experience and endurance that often make him a difficult opponent in long matches.
The clash is expected to be one of the toughest battles of the day, with the winner set to earn a potential meeting against Novak Djokovic in the next round.
With a combination of established names and emerging talents on display, Day 3 in Rome promises another entertaining chapter in the build-up to the latter stages of the tournament.
