Italian Open 2024: Fabio Fognini vs Daniel Evans; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

The Italian Open has finally commenced and players are here to gain momentum prior to Roland Garros. Local favorite Fabio Fognini will play against Daniel Evans as the two look to kick off their run in the tournament. Both players are out of their prime and are experiencing a downward trend as they are unable to gain victories.

Evans has played 11 matches this year with only 2 victories on his side. Fognini has mostly played Challenger tournaments this season and failed to accomplish wins on the ATP Tour, aside from the Grand Prix Hassan II, where he managed to run to the quarterfinal.

Fabio Fognini vs Daniel Evans: Preview

Fognini most recently played in the Cagliari Challenger, where he had to withdraw from the tournament after being injured in the first round. He played against Federico Coria and retired at 7-6, 3-1. Before his exit, he hit 3 double faults and won 46% of points on first serve, with 57% on second serve. He did break the Argentine three times after 6 attempts and found his serve broken 4 times. 

Evans has yet to achieve a win on clay court this year as he found himself eliminated in the first round of Grand Prix Hassan II, Monte-Carlo Masters, and the Barcelona Open. He was ousted by Brandon Nakashima in Barcelona, where he hit 1 ace and 5 double faults. Evans won 49% of the points on the first serve and 69% on the second serve. He won 2 out of 4 break points and found his serve broken 4 times. 

Fognini vs Evans: Head-to-Head

Daniel Evans and Fabio Fognini have only played against each other once on the ATP Tour. Their clash was held at the 2020 Dubai Tennis Championships, which saw Evans emerge victorious. 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. With their only bout held on hard court four years ago, not much insight can be drawn from their rivalry. However, their first bout on clay is sure to be a fantastic one.  

Prediction: Fognini to win the clash and move ahead

The two players have struggled immensely on the ATP Tour in 2024. Not much sets the two apart when it comes to their form. However, Fognini has experienced more wins than Evans in 2024. His run in the Grand Prix Hassan II showed there is still some fire left inside the former number 9. On the other hand, Evans has failed to win more than two matches this season and has zero victories on clay in 2024.

However, Evans has been healthier and has not suffered any injuries so far in 2024. Fognini, who retired in the Cagliari Challenger, will test out his limits in his clash against the Briton. Fognini is set to win their bout, but Evans can capitalize if the Italian shows any signs of an injury.