Things are heating up in Rome, as we head into the business end of the 2024 Italian Open. Tuesday afternoon sees Taylor Fritz and Grigor Dimitrov square off, two men who weren’t rated as favourites heading into the tournament. With both well-placed to make another deep run in a Masters 1000 now, who will grab the bull by the horns in this match up?
Fritz will be thrilled with his progress over the last month on clay. Traditionally known as a hard court specialist, the American has transformed his netplay and drop shots to achieve newfound success on the surface. With a final in Munich and semi-final in Madrid, can a confident Fritz put away the ever-present Dimitrov?
The 2024 season has been a brilliant one for Dimitrov so far, with the Bulgarian snapping a multi-year titleless streak in January. Off the back of a re-entry to the world’s top 10, Dimitrov made further runs to the final weekends of Marseille, Rotterdam and Miami. His momentum has stuttered slightly on clay, however, and the scalp of Fritz here would be well-timed to reignite some form ahead of Roland-Garros.
We break down all there is to know about this match and outline our Fritz vs Dimitrov prediction and betting tips ahead of the first ball being served this afternoon.
How the Bookies View It: Claylor is a Real Thing
Who would have thought a year ago that Fritz would be favoured at the bookies against a top 10 player on clay. That’s exactly the case in this match, with bet365 giving the American a 4/6 edge, compared to Dimitrov’s 6/5. Set betting sits at 7/4 for a Fritz win in two as well.
Recent Head-to-Head: Meetings Shared So Far
Fritz and Dimitrov have met twice on the ATP Tour, splitting the meetings 1-1. Both times have been on clay, with Dimitrov winning in a third set tiebreak last year, and Fritz claiming their first encounter in 2019.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
Of the five sets these two have played, three have gone to tiebreakers and one to 7-5. When these two play, it’s close. Fritz has won two of the tiebreakers, while Dimitrov has bagged one, plus the 7-5 set.
Fritz will feel like he’s playing on house money here in Rome. The American has never made it beyond the round of 32 before in six attempts prior to this year. So far this year, he’s been in hot form though, dismissing both of his opponents so far in straight sets. As usual, his first serve has been rock-solid, with Fritz winning 83 and 90 percent of first serve points across his opening two matches in Rome.
Despite Dimitrov winning in straight sets last round, the Bulgarian wasn’t at his best. The world No 10 struck more unforced errors than winners, battling to adjust to the hot conditions. At one stage he rolled an ankle, and described the match as “one of the most difficult matches this year.”
Fritz vs Dimitrov Betting Tips & Predictions
We’re high on Fritz this week. He’s giving Medvedev on clay in 2023 vibes, and we’re here for it. With Dimitrov looking scratchy and coming into this one off a tough match, expect Fritz’s strong form to continue in Rome.
- Fritz to win @ 4/6
- Fritz to win first set 7-6 @ 5/1
Fritz and Dimitrov are up first on Center Court this Tuesday, so get your bets in quickly if you’re keen to profit from this clash.
Bren is our resident Kiwi, and has been playing or watching sports down under in New Zealand for the better part of three decades. With 12+ years experience as a professional writer, Bren loves to dive deep into all things sport to bring the best betting analysis and predictions here at Mr Fixits Tips.
