Roger Federer to have nightmare Wednesday at Italian Open unlike Novak Djokovic
ROGER FEDERER has been dealt the cruel hand of being first on at the Italian Open but Novak Djokovic will be much more relaxed, according to Amazon Prime pundit Daniela Hantuchova.
Federer requested a Wednesday afternoon match when he decided to play at this week’s Italian Open.
But a surprise was sprung when the order of play was released and the Swiss star was placed first on centre court.
Heavy rain is forecast for the majority of today meaning Federer has the best chance of completing his tie with Joao Sousa.
However, if the heavens open early in the morning then he could face a long day of sitting around the Italian Open complex.
In contrast, world No 1 Djokovic will be able to spend more time with his team away from he grounds as he is not due on court until 6.30pm (BST) at the earliest.
“It is really tricky because in rainy conditions the last thing you want is to be the first match on,” Hantuchova told Amazon Prime.
“It is the match that you have got to stick around for most of the day.
“If you are scheduled third, fourth match on then you may as well go back to the hotel.
“You must almost accept that you will not play today and be more relaxed to save energy.
“I don’t think any of these guys want to be the first match on.”
If any matches are not completed today then they will be resumed on Thursday.
That could mean some players will have to play twice in a day.
Italian Open centre court order of play
10am start (BST)
Joao Sousa vs Roger Federer
Jeremy Chardy vs Rafael Nadal
Naomi Osaka vs Dominika Cibulkova
Not before 6.30pm (BST)
Novak Djokovic vs Denis Shapovalov
Anett Konataveit vs Maria Sakkari