Novak
Novak Djokovic in action during his straight sets win over Stephane Robert in the second round of the 2016 Rome Masters Getty

Novak Djokovic takes on Thomaz Bellucci in the men's singles round of 16 clash of the Rome Masters on Thursday (12 May).

Where to watch live

Match starts at 6.30pm BST. Live coverage in the UK is on Sky Sports Interactive. Click here for the live streaming link. Live scores and regular updates will be available on ATP's official website.

Overview

In-form Djokovic will look to continue his stellar start to the 2016 season as he prepares for the upcoming French Open — the only Grand Slam to elude him thus far — while also searching for his 30th Masters Series title. The Serbian is the all time leader after his win at the Mutua Madrid Masters last week and is currently one ahead of Rafael Nadal, whom he will meet in the quarter-finals if he overcomes his Brazilian opponent.

The world number one has already won five titles this year, including the Australian Open, and in the form that he is at the moment, Djokovic will be favourite to lift the trophy at the Rome Masters.

Bellucci, meanwhile, is on the other end of the spectrum after failing to make it past the first round in three of his last four tournaments. The Brazilian world number 37 is yet to win a title this season to add to his four career titles on the ATP tour and faces an almost impossible task to progress to the last eight of the Rome Masters.

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Novak Djokovic to win: 1/33
  • Thomaz Bellucci to win: 10

Head-To-Head

The duo have faced each other five times, with Djokovic winning on all occasions. Their last meeting was in the round of 32 clash at the 2015 Paris Masters, which the Serbian won 7-5, 6-3.

Rome Masters History

Djokovic and Bellucci have played each other twice at the Rome Masters in 2010 and 2015 with the world number one triumphing both times.