Analysis of the draw at ATP Rome 2026: Sinner avoids Djokovic and Jódar in his section

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 4 May 2026 | 12.02

Analysis of the ATP Rome 2026 draw. Photo: gettyimages

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Tennis arrives at one of its most spectacular stages. The ATP Masters 1000 Rome 2026 kicks off with a draw full of incentives and mysteries to be solved after what the draw has revealed. Jannik Sinner is the top favorite, but he cannot relax if he wants to conquer the title. We detail the opponents he will face round by round as well as other contenders like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Jódar.

Interesting times lie ahead for men's tennis, and the Foro Itálico could host two unforgettable weeks as a luxury prelude to the second Grand Slam of the year. This ATP Masters 1000 Rome 2026 promises strong emotions once the draw places the top contenders to prevent Jannik Sinner from being a prophet in his own land. Novak Djokovic will be a major attraction for all fans, but there will be many other points of interest.

This is the men's draw of ATP Rome 2026 after the draw

1st Quadrant

Early hostilities await Sinner at the Foro Itálico, needing his best tennis as early as the third round. At that stage of the tournament, he could face Masters 1000 champions or a Grand Slam finalist. Quite a challenge. Mensik and Berrettini seem to be favorites to reach that round and challenge the world number 1, who would have to meet Fils in the round of 16 if the Frenchman can prove his favoritism in his part of the draw.

Regarding Shelton, his good performance in Munich was overshadowed by a setback in Madrid, but it's evident that he is progressing well on clay. He should have no trouble reaching the round of 16, where Rublev or Davidovich would provide very interesting tests to gauge his level. It's hard to imagine either of them defeating Sinner in the quarterfinals.

2nd Quadrant

This sector presents a field of opportunities, with neither of the two favorites looking very secure to reach the quarterfinals. While Medvedev was a champion here three years ago and showed promise in Madrid, starting against Tsitsipas or Machac could be a significant hurdle, as well as a possible rematch against Norrie in the round of 16.

On the other hand, Auger-Aliassime faces a potentially daunting challenge in Joao Fonseca, who seems to have a good chance to progress and showcase his status as an emerging star. The Brazilian should seize the opportunity for a great performance, despite the threat posed by Félix himself and other players like Vacherot.

3rd Quadrant

High expectations surround Djokovic at the Foro Itálico, dreaming of a showdown between the Serbian and Musetti in the quarterfinals. Neither of them will have it easy, although they can consider themselves lucky with the potential opponents on the horizon. Lehecka and Ruud pose the biggest threats, especially for a slightly out-of-rhythm and confidence-lacking Musetti, while Djokovic will rely on his history and intangibles to avoid troubles and reach the quarterfinals, where he should bring out his best. Despite his long absence from competition, a legend of his caliber always has a trick up his sleeve.

4th Quadrant

Here is the most intriguing and exciting quadrant for Spanish fans. Rafael Jódar enters as a top seed in a tournament of this magnitude for the first time in his professional career and could meet De Miñaur in the third round, a likely victim based on what happened in Madrid. Each match is a different story, and surely there will be maximum demand for the Madrid native, who will start his journey against Borges or a player from the qualifying rounds.

In the quarterfinals, he could face Zverev, who has some tough obstacles in his path like Blockx, Paul, or Hurkacz, although he should have no trouble reaching that stage. The possibility of the German having to face the challenge of Jódar is something that excites all levels of the tennis world, but nothing can be taken for granted.