Rio Open 2022: Matteo Berrettini vs Carlos Alcaraz preview, head-to-head and prediction

Match Details

Fixture: (1) Matteo Berrettini vs (7) Carlos Alcaraz

Date: February 19 2022

Tournament: Rio Open.

Round: Quarterfinals

Venue: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Category: ATP 500.

Surface: Outdoor claycourt.

Prize money: $1,815,115.

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Tennis TV

Matteo Berrettini vs Carlos Alcaraz preview

Berrettini beat Alcaraz in a thrilling encounter at the Australian Open

Top seed Matteo Berrettini takes on seventh seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the Rio Open. Following a disappointing ATP Cup, the Italian started the Australian Open with wins against Brandon Nakashima and Stefan Kozlov. He then overcame Alcaraz in a five-set thriller before beating Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the competition's quarterfinals.

Berrettini survived a scare against Gael Monfils in five sets to reach his third Grand Slam semifinal. Here, he lost to Rafael Nadal in four sets in the last four.

The 25-year-old entered the Rio Open as the top seed. He fought off Thiago Monteiro in three sets to seal his place in the quarterfinals.

Carlos Alcaraz entered the Rio Open as the seventh seed and beat compatriot Jaume Munar in the first set. Alcaraz then beat Federico Delbonis 6-4, 7-6 (1) to reach the quarterfinals.

Matteo Berrettini vs Carlos Alcaraz head to head at 1-1

Saturday's quarterfinal will be the third meeting between Alcaraz and Berrettini. The first clash between the two took place at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna last year, with the Spaniard winning 6-1 6-7(2), 7-6 (5). Berrettini beat him in an exciting contest at the Australian Open last month, triumphing 6-2, 7-6(3), 4-6, 2-6, 7-6 (5).

Matteo Berrettini vs Carlos Alcaraz prediction

The Spaniard may be ranked 23 places below his opponent, but he is a fine talent who has his best years ahead of him. Alcaraz will be looking to put pressure on Berrettini using his strong groundstrokes. The Spaniard's court coverage is outstanding, and this will come in handy in returning the Italian's powerful forehand shots.

Berrettini will no doubt be looking to serve plenty of aces and produce winners from his forehand. The match will be tightly contested, but in the end, Berrettini should be able to come out on top and reach the semifinals.

Prediction: Berrettini to win in three sets.