There are several exciting matchups on Day 2 at the WTA Rome Open and, as always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on the slate, split between five articles. Our others feature Sofia Kenin vs Lucia Bronzetti, Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel, Amanda Anisimova vs Sara Errani, and Caroline Dolehide vs Bernarda Pera. But who will book their place in the second round at the Foro Italico?
WTA Rome Day 2 Predictions
Clara Tauson vs Daria Saville
Head-to-head: first meeting
There is a nice contrast in styles for fans to enjoy in this matchup. Clara Tauson’s game is built on power, while Saville mostly tries to wear down her opponents with her consistency. The Dane showed what she is capable by thrashing Olga Danilovic in the final round of qualifying. At her best, that power she possesses is capable of overwhelming Daria Saville, whose level is below what it used to be. Tauson is very inconsistent but she is still backed to narrowly triumph in Rome.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
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Anna Karolina Schmiedlova vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Sasnovich 5-1 Schmiedlova
The head-to-head between these two is not as alarming as it initially seems for Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. She has not competed against Aliaksandra Sasnovich since 2020 and both players are in a different place now. Sasnovich is currently ranked outside the top 100, having ended the previous seven seasons among the 100 best players in the world. Schmiedlova’s game is based on consistency. At her best, Sasnovich was able to hit through her defenses, but her recent level will not be good enough to prevail in Rome.
Prediction: Schmiedlova in 2
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Petra Martic vs Mayar Sherif
Head-to-head: first meeting
Expect many long rallies in this matchup between two excellent athletes. Mayar Sherif struggled with injuries in the opening months of the season but the Egyptian has regained her form in recent weeks. The clay-court specialist beat Marta Kostyuk in Madrid, before making the final of a WTA 125 event in Lleida a few days ago. She is the better player on the dirt at her best. Petra Martic will dig in and work hard for every point as always. Overall though, Sherif’s movement and heavy forehand on clay is likely to take her to victory.
Prediction: Sherif in 2
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Wang Yafan vs Katie Volynets
Head-to-head: Wang 1-0 Volynets
This is set to be Wang Yafan’s first match on clay this season. Her movement will be thoroughly tested by qualifier Katie Volynets, who is one of the grittiest competitors on the WTA Tour. That style saw her beat Mirra Andreeva and Ons Jabeur during the North American hard court swing. Wang is a cleaner striker of the ball but Volynets has a good chance of upsetting her Chinese opponent. The American is an awkward draw to get as a first match on clay and she could have enough to wear down Wang with her consistency.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Donna Vekic vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-head: Tsurenko 2-1 Vekic
These two have never met on clay before. Lesia Tsurenko is still waiting for her first victory on the dirt in 2024 after surprising losses to Astra Sharma in Charleston and Alex Eala in Madrid. By contrast, Donna Vekic has shown stronger form, hammering Laura Siegemund in Madrid, before running into an in-form Maris Sakkari in the next round. Tsurenko is unlikely to get her opening win here. The 34-year-old is not as quick around the court as she used to be. That is detrimental to her chances on clay against Vekic, since she cannot overpower the Croatian with her groundstrokes.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Main photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
