First-round action at the 2024 WTA Italian Open in Rome begins Tuesday with a bumper schedule. One of the most interesting matches pits home favorite Martina Trevisan against the in-form Yulia Putintseva. Who will advance?
WTA Rome Day 1 Predictions
Lisa Pigato vs Shelby Rogers
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s not often you get a matchup between players ranked outside the Top 300 in a WTA 1000. At the same time, we can’t forget that Shelby Rogers is a former Top 30 player. In fact, the American is one of the best from the current active crop who hasn’t won a WTA title. Her rankings slide was impacted by her absence from the tour last season for precisely six months. Her opponent, Lisa Pigato, is a great talent and one of the most promising young players from Italy. However, she remains largely untested at this level, and her previous main tour appearances can be counted on one hand. Rogers’ experience will win the day.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Ana Bogdan vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: first meeting
Bogdan lost more recently to Mayar Sherif at the WTA 125K event in Catalonia. Before that, she lost in back-to-back first-rounds in Charleston and Madrid. Neither player has looked in great form heading into this match, but Fernandez has impressed the most, even in defeat against premier clay performers. She lost a tight two-setter to Sloane Stephens in Charleston and took a set from Ons Jabeur in Madrid. On the evidence of recent results, the Canadian has a slight edge.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Greet Minnen vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: first meeting
Although Diana Shnaider won her maiden WTA title on hard courts, she is very versatile. In fact, you could argue that clay is her best surface. She has won more career matches on the dirt and excelled playing on the lower tiers. Greet Minnen is 2-4 on clay in 2024 and has lost her last two. The Belgian is an efficient shotmaker, but this match will hinge on her ability to deflect Shanider’s forehand power, which will likely dictate this contest.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Martina Trevisan vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-head: Trevisan 1-1 Putintseva
There has been a modicum of consistency in Putintseva’s results this year. She looked certain to exit the Top 100 at one point, only to turn her fortunes around in March. She’s been on a roll since, reaching back-to-back WTA 1000 quarterfinals, and might have beaten Elena Rybakina in Madrid. Trevisan, meanwhile, has fared poorly all season, and even a return to her favorite surface has failed to restore a semblance of normality in her season. Putintseva’s game is purring right now and she should win victory at WTA Rome.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
