Tennis Betting Tips: Italian Open Preview and Predictions

The Italian Open is underway on the clay courts of Foro Italico in Rome. We have two weeks of mouth-watering tennis action to look forward to in the Italian capital.

This week, Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Tomas Machac, while Denis Shapovalov and Mariano Navone lock horns. In the women’s section, Karolina Pliskova faces off against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in one of the standout WTA Rome first-round matches.

Tennis Odds: Italian Open Tips & Predictions

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Tomas Machac

Tsitsipas is aiming to regain his form after a recent challenging period. At the Monte-Carlo Masters, he had his worst run at the event, losing in the opening round to Francisco Cerundolo. As a result, Tsitsipas has dropped out of the top 50.

Tsitsipas has won 12 career titles and reached third in the world rankings in 2021. He was runner-up in the French Open in 2021 and at the Australian Open in 2023. However, injuries and a severe lack of confidence have seen him fall away from the top table.

Machac, who reached the top 20 a year ago, can beat anyone on his day. He heads into this match as the 23/20 underdog with PricedUp, but can the Prague-born ace upset out-of-form Tsitsipas?

This intriguing first-round match could go either way in Italy’s capital. Machac may feel confident, but we are predicting a narrow victory for Tsitsipas in Round One to restore some pride. Tsitsipas to win 2-1 at tennis odds of 16/5 has caught our eye.

Our Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to Win 2-1 – 16/5

Denis Shapovalov vs Mariano Navone

Another fascinating ATP Rome first-round match is the battle between Shapovalov and Navone. The winner of this one will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in Round Two. Who will book their place in the next round of the Rome event?

Shapovalov can be a top player, having won four career titles and reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 2021. The 27-year-old shot back in the top 30 after a productive 2025 but is currently 39th in the rankings.

Navone heads to Rome in fine fettle, picking up his first ATP Tour title a month ago. The Argentinian defeated Spaniard Daniel Merida to win the 2026 Tiriac Open in Bucharest. Can the 25-year-old follow that up with a strong showing in the Italian Open?

Shapovalov is the underdog in this one, and we can see in-form Navone booking his spot in the second round of the 2026 Italian Open. You can get 4/11 for the Tiriac Open champion to start his tournament with a win.

Our Prediction: Mariano Navone to Win – 4/11

Karolina Pliskova vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

Pliskova continues her comeback with a match against Bouzas Maneiro in the opening round of the 2026 Italian Open. The former world No. 1 is finding her feet again and could be a tough opponent on the Rome clay.

Pliskova is the red-hot favourite in this one, priced at 4/7 to go through and secure a second-round matchup with Jaqueline Cristian. The experienced Czech has won 17 titles and has reached two Grand Slam finals.

Bouzas Maneiro is enjoying her tennis right now, but this will be a stern test for the young Spanish star. She is the second favourite in this clash, available at 27/20 to upset Pliskova. Unfortunately, our money is going on the Czech.

Pliskova warmed up for the WTA Rome tournament with a solid showing in Madrid. She got the better of Sinja Kraus, Maria Sakkari, Elise Mertens, and Solana Sierra before eventually losing to Anastasia Potapova in the quarters.

Have a punt on Pliskova to secure a straight-set victory over Bouzas Maneiro at the solid price of 129/100.

Our Prediction: Karolina Pliskova to Win 2-0 – 129/100

Odds taken from PricedUp at 08:45 UK time, on 6 May 2026.