Parma 2021: Lorenzo Sonego vs Sebastian Korda preview, head-to-head & prediction | Emilia-Romagna Open
Match details
Fixture: (1) Lorenzo Sonego vs Sebastian Korda
Date: 26 May 2021
Tournament: Emilia-Romagna Open 2021
Round: Second round (Round of 16)
Venue: Parma, Italy
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Red clay
Prize money: €480,000
Match timing: Not before 12 pm local time, 10 am GMT, 6 am EST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Lorenzo Sonego vs Sebastian Korda preview
America's Sebastian Korda defeated Italian veteran Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the 2021 Emilia-Romagna Open on Tuesday. Korda will next take on top seed Lorenzo Sonego in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Korda, ranked 63rd in the world, needed just 82 minutes to see off the challenge of Seppi. However, the win came at a cost. The American appeared to pick up a groin injury midway through the match, and had to call for the trainer.
With the French Open round the corner, Korda would be fervently hoping the injury is not serious.
Sonego, meanwhile, will take the court for the first time since his remarkable run at the Italian Open.
The 26-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career, to say the least. He lifted the title at the Sardegna Open and followed that up with a run to the semifinals in Rome, where he was beaten by Novak Djokovic.
Sonego's recent form has helped him reach a career-high of No. 28 in the world rankings, and he will look to carry his momentum into Parma.
Lorenzo Sonego vs Sebastian Korda head-to-head
Lorenzo Sonego leads Sebastian Korda 1-0 in the head-to-head. The two faced each other at the Montpellier Open earlier this year, with the Italian winning 6-3, 6-2.
Lorenzo Sonego vs Sebastian Korda prediction
It would be interesting to see how Lorenzo Sonego approaches his matches in Parma. The Italian is known for his attacking brand of tennis, and he may up the ante even further as he tries to keep points short and preserve his energy ahead of Roland Garros.
Regardless of the approach he adopts, Sonego is the firm favorite in this clash.
Korda and Sonego have similar playing styles. They both rely on big first serves and powerful groundstrokes to control rallies from the baseline.
The key for Korda in this clash would be to serve well and cut down on unforced errors, so that he can mount pressure on Sonego in the return games. However, the American's fitness remains a concern, and he could possibly start fading as the match progresses.
Prediction: Lorenzo Sonego to win in straight sets.