The second round of the WTA Rome Masters features several intriguing matchups, but all eyes will be on Coco Gauff as she begins her Rome campaign against rising Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko. Gauff, fresh off a strong run in Madrid, enters as one of the tournament favorites, while Mboko is riding a wave of momentum after a stellar season on the ITF circuit. Elsewhere, close contests are expected as Donna Vekic looks to back up a recent win over Bianca Andreescu, Linda Noskova takes on Sonay Kartal, and Maria Sakkari faces Magda Linette in a battle of experience and form. Who makes it to the next round? We have predictions for every round 2 match in Rome.
WTA Rome Day 4 Predictions
Bianca Andreescu vs. Donna Vekic
Head-to-Head: Vekic 1-0 Andreescu
Despite just two clay wins this season, Donna Vekic holds the recent edge over Bianca Andreescu, having beaten her on the surface at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Andreescu is still searching for consistency after her long layoff, and while her clay potential is higher, her match readiness remains uncertain. Vekic’s cleaner bill of health and recent head-to-head advantage give her a slight edge. Expect a tight, momentum-driven match.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Linda Noskova vs. Sonay Kartal
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Linda Noskova holds the edge in her first meeting with Sonay Kartal, thanks to her higher ranking and greater tour-level experience. Kartal impressed in her opening-round win, but Noskova’s power and baseline game make her a tough challenge on clay. If Noskova maintains consistency, she should advance—though Kartal could test her if she builds early momentum.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Maria Sakkari vs. Magda Linette
Head-to-Head: Sakkari 1-1 Linette
Maria Sakkari comes into her Rome clash with Magda Linette on the back of improved form, including a recent straight-sets win over Linette in Madrid. While Sakkari has struggled for consistency this season, her stronger clay-court pedigree gives her the edge. Linette is steady but less comfortable on the surface, making Sakkari the slight favorite in a potentially close encounter.
Prediction: Sakkari in 2
Coco Gauff vs. Victoria Mboko
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Coco Gauff enters her second-round match at the WTA Rome Masters as the clear favorite against Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko. Gauff, the third seed, recently reached the final in Madrid, defeating top players like Iga Swiatek along the way. Mboko, ranked 158th, has had an impressive season on the ITF circuit, winning five titles and compiling a 33–3 record. However, this marks her first meeting with Gauff and a significant step up in competition. While Mboko’s rise is noteworthy, Gauff’s experience and recent form on clay suggest she should advance comfortably.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
