The WTA Rome tennis promises to get even better on Day 5. There is an outstanding schedule, with US Open champion Gauff among the players in action. Her contest is one of four predicted in this article. As always, we at LWOT also predict the other WTA Rome matches taking place, including Naomi Osaka vs Daria Kasatkina. But which players do you think will progress to the Round of 16?
Paula Badosa vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: Badosa 2-1 Shnaider
These two have already played twice this season. Badosa had to retire from their meeting in Hua Hin but she defeated Shnaider a few weeks ago on clay in Stuttgart. Fans will be treated to much powerful hitting between these two aggressive players. Badosa got a great wins against Mirra Andreeva and Emma Navarro in the previous rounds, but Shnaider is backed to stop her run. The Russian was devastating in crushing wins against Greet Minnen and Liudmila Samsonova. Badosa has also struggled to string together more than a couple of victories at a time since her injury.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Angelique Kerber vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: Kerber 2-1 Sasnovich
Both players won surprisingly easily in the last round. Kerber bested Veronika Kudermetova 6-3 6-0, while Sasnovich thrashed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 6-1. Sasnovich, who had been struggling this year until this event, will look to prolong the rallies and test the physical condition of the 36-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion. The quality of Kerber’s shots are undoubtedly superior, but this is an awkward matchup for her on clay at this stage of her career, with the German better suited to playing powerful hitters like Kudermetova. Sasnovich to prevail in three sets.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
Madison Keys vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 1-0 Keys
Both players battled hard in the previous round. Haddad Maia recovered from a set down against Xiyu Wang, while Keys fended off a spirited comeback attempt to beat Camila Osorio in three sets. Last week’s semifinalist in Madrid, Keys, is in good form. However, this could be a tough matchup for her. Haddad Maia’s heavy left-handed topspin forehand is capable of keeping the ball away from the formidable Keys forehand and extract unforced errors. The Brazilian’s consistency has a great chance of stopping the American’s strong run of form.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Coco Gauff vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is likely to be a tough match for Gauff. Cristian has had a very strong clay-court season so far. She was a quarterfinalist in Charleston, reached the third-round in Madrid and beat Elina Avanesyan to set up this meeting. The Romanian will try and dominate the forehand exchanges, which is the one area where she does have an advantage. Gauff’s level has been inconsistent this year but the American should still have enough to progress. Her vastly superior backhand and ability to attack Cristian’s second serve could be the key factors in swinging this contest in her favour.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
