Mattia’s one match too many?

In general, the periods of intense focus don’t last very long for the Italian!

Yes, I think that apart from the moment when he burst into the very top after this 2024 Roland Garros, his strong periods have become rarer, but above all shorter. The top 100 is deep, that’s no secret to anyone. In qualifying here, Mattia seemed a bit less of a fighter than usual to me, and of course I interpreted that as wear and tear. Against a Michelsen who’s been pretty good at the moment, on American soil, with good serving quality, a powerful forehand, and the ability to hold up well from the baseline in slightly slow conditions (see Indian Wells + maybe here too if it’s not very hot and humid), I’m thinking Bellucci won’t have the gas needed to keep getting everything back, hit those passing shots at the feet, make him work with his forehand, etc. It’ll all depend on the day and time of the match with the rain delays, as well as Michelsen’s odds, which might come out a bit too low. Personally, I’d put them at 1.45...