Eight third-round matches are scheduled on Day 6 of the WTA Italian Open. The matches are getting more interesting and closer daily, and some intriguing clashes await. This article features three top 10 players: Mirra Andreeva, Qinwen Zheng and Emma Navarro. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate. But which players will advance?
WTA Rome Day 6 Predictions
Marta Kostyuk vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Marta Kostyuk is in the third round of the Italian Open for the first time as she defeated Daria Kasatkina in straight sets. This was Kostyuk’s first win over Kasatkina in five matches. The Ukrainian started slowly but got better as the match went on and started playing at a very high level in the second set. Leylah Fernandez had a dominating performance in the second round and served a bagel in the second set. Both these players are separated by one ranking, and I expect a close match.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Qinwen Zheng vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-Head: Zheng 1-1 Frech
Rome has been a happy hunting ground for Qinwen Zheng, and she has started this year’s campaign with a solid win over Olga Danilovic. Zheng hasn’t been at her best this season, and maybe this is the tournament where she gets her momentum back. Magdalena Frech saved a clutch break point in the first set and recovered twice from a break in the second to defeat Victoria Azarenka. Frech is in the third round for the first time here. However, she doesn’t have the weapons to trouble Zheng on a slow surface.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Emma Navarro vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Emma Navarro has opened her win account at the Italian Open as she played a solid match against Kamilla Rakhimova in the second round. Navarro had a good run at the Roland Garros last year, and she will look to arrive there in her best form. Clara Tauson ended her three-match losing streak in the second round, but it was far from her best level. She is a dangerous player, but to defeat the American, she will need to improve. Navarro has the slight edge.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-Head: Andreeva 2-1 Noskova
Two of the best young talents in tennis will face off for the fourth time, and Linda Noskova will be looking to even the head-to-head. Mirra Andreeva won her first match in Rome as she easily defeated Emiliana Arango in the second round. Noskova, on the other hand, improved her opening match record to 3-0 at the Italian Open. On clay, Andreeva has the advantage in this matchup as Noskova’s shots don’t have that same penetration as they would on a faster surface.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
