Big names are beginning to emerge at the ATP Rome Masters 1000 today, with top seed Novak Djokovic on show this Friday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is a heavy favourite to win this tournament, and will be looking for a fast start against polarising Frenchman Courentin Moutet. Can he do so? We break down the match-up and give our Djokovic vs Moutet prediction and betting tips.
It’s been a challenging year so far for Djokovic, and the next few weeks is where the rubber really hits the road. The Serbian took a surprising loss in the Australian Open semi-finals to Jannik Sinner, and has looked rocky since.
In a year where clay is crucial, considering Djokovic’s ambitions to win Olympic gold, he’ll be looking to elevate his game significantly this week heading into Roland-Garros later in the month.
For Moutet, it’s been a typical year. Some highs–a semi-final in Santiago and quarter-final in Bucharest, and plenty of lows–losses to five players outside of the world’s top 100. He’s here in the second round of Rome courtesy of a chaotic three-set win over Roman Safiullin off the back of a lucky loser entry to the main draw.
Can Moutet capitalise on his second chance, or will Djokovic remind the world why he’s sitting atop the ATP rankings? Read on for all our Djokovic vs Moutet tips.
How the Bookies View It: Djokovic the Massive Favourite
There’s no two ways about this: Djokovic is a huge favourite to win against Moutet. The six-time Rome champion pays just 1/14 in the outright winner odds, and 1/5 to win 2-0. Moutet is a heavy 7/1 dog, and is even at 9/4 to win a set.
Recent Head-to-Head: Last Time Was Spicy
Djokovic and Moutet have met just the once on the ATP Tour, at the 2019 ATP Masters 1000 Paris. The encounter was a little heated, with Moutet hitting balls into the crowd and protesting a late challenge. Djokovic won 7-6(2), 6-4.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
Djokovic thrives in Rome. The world number one has won here on six occasions, and finished runner-up another six times. It’s by far his best clay court Masters tournament, largely due to the way he goes about his preparation. The Serb tends to build slowly across Monte-Carlo and Madrid, before hitting his best at Rome heading into Roland Garros.
As a result, Djokovic has never lost his opening match in Rome across the 17 editions he’s played. Also, he’s only ever dropped a set in his opening match twice–the last time he did so, Donald Trump was still just some real estate guy.
Moutet is a drama-magnet, and will be doing all he can to put Djokovic off his game. The Frenchman was all over the show against Safiullin, at times not even competing, other times fully locked in and ripping winners. Expect plenty of niggle, meltdowns and attitude from his end of the court.
Djokovic vs Moutet Betting Tips & Predictions
We say Djokovic will turn up looking sharp on Friday, and dispatch a limp effort from Moutet. He doesn’t take well to being disrespected, so any shenanigans from his opponent will only serve to accelerate the process.
- Djokovic to win 2-0 @ 1/5
- Djokovic under 12.5 games @ 4/6
Djokovic and Moutet will square off in the evening session of day five, not before 7pm local time, so get your bets in before then.
In December 2020 we sadly 
