Day 3 at the WTA 1000 in Rome will see the debut of many of the seeds. It’s the first edition of this tournament played over two weeks and this second round should bring plenty of exciting matches, with lower ranked players doing their utmost to upset the seeds. We predict all of the day’s matches, split between four articles. One features Coco Gauff vs Yulia Putintseva, the second headlines Jessica Pegula vs Taylor Townsend, and the third features Aryna Sabalenka vs Sofia Kenin. Who do you think will win?
WTA Rome Day 3 Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Anna Bondar
Head-to-head: first meeting
Pliskova wasn’t in Madrid and she’ll be very hungry coming into Rome, looking to turn around what’s not been a very successful season so far. Bondar showed a very good level in qualifying and in the first round, but she’s now facing a clearly superior opponent and the odds are firmly stacked against her.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Ana Bogdan
Head-to-head: Garcia 2-0 Bogdan
Garcia isn’t having the kind of season she expected after the way she finished 2022 and she will be looking to turn it around as soon as possible. She’s starting her campaign in Rome against an opponent who has been easy picking for her so far in previous matchups and she should be able to get the win.
Predictions: Garcia in 2
Magdalena Frech vs Madison Keys
Head-to-head: Keys 1-0 Frech
Keys had a bit of a resurgence in 2022, finishing #11, but she hasn’t continued that so far this year. She’s yet to have a great run this year and Rome isn’t a likely place for that. She has, however, a kind draw here and should be able to at least win this first match.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens
Head-to-head: Azarenka 4-4 Stephens
This is a match between two former Slam champion trying to get back to their previous glory. Azarenka has been playing better lately and actually won when the pair faced in Charleston (also on clay) earlier this year. She should have the slight edge in this one as well.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
