In what looks set to be a thrilling final, French Open champion Iga Swiatek is set to take on former-world #1 Karolina Pliskova at the WTA Rome Open. Both will surely be desperate to lay their hands on the trophy and a competitive final looks to be in the offing. But who will claim the title in Rome?
WTA Rome Open Final Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Swiatek has appeared to struggle with the pressure of her status as a Grand Slam champion at times this year, but it has been a broadly impressive year so far for the Pole. She will surely have been disappointed by her fourth-round exit at the Australian Open, but she bounced back by winning the title in Adelaide. Swiatek was not at her best in Dubai, Miami or Madrid, failing to make the quarterfinals at all three events, but she has looked sharp so far this week.
Swiatek opened her campaign against Alison Riske with the American retiring trailing 4-5. The Pole then dismissed former-US Open finalist Madison Keys for the loss of only six games to reach the third round. There she beat Barbora Krejcikova in a three-set thriller to set up a semifinal clash with Cori Gauff. The American had been handed a place in the last four when Ashleigh Barty withdrew from their quarterfinal during a rain delay. Gauff was not able to take advantage, losing 6-7 3-6.
Karolina Pliskova had not been at her best in the early weeks of the 2021 season. But the Czech seems to have a particular affinity for playing at the WTA Rome Open, where she will be playing in her third straight final. She started her week with a 6-2 6-3 win over Anastasija Sevastova, before getting the better of Vera Zvonareva in straight sets. Pliskova then beat Jelena Ostapenko after saving three match points. She then booked her place in the final with a 6-1 2-6 6-3 win over Petra Martic.
This is a match that the Pole should be winning,. Swiatek has that much more variety than Pliskova, with her forehand a significantly more reliable weapon than Pliskova’s. The Czech’s serve should keep things competitive, but Swiatek is the French Open champion for a reason. Expect Swiatek to prove too strong for Pliskova.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
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