The rest of the WTA Rome seeded players compete for the first time on Day 4 of the event. This includes a very attractive matchup between three-time Grand Slam runner-up Ons Jabeur and 2020 Australian Open runner-up Sofia Kenin. As always, we at LWOT have predictions for all the Day 4 WTA Rome contests. We split the day’s matches between this and three other articles. Those articles feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Katie Volynets, Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva, and Elena Rybakina vs Irina-Camelia Begu. Which players do you think will progress to the next round?
WTA Rome Day 4 Predictions
Danielle Collins vs Anna Blinkova
Head-to-head: Blinkova 1-0 Collins
It will be interesting to observe how Collins plays after her stunning winning streak was finally ended in Madrid. In truth, her performance against Aryna Sabalenka was actually better than many of the matches she won. The world No. 2 simply played some outstanding tennis in the deciding set to beat her. Blinkova ended a run of four straight losses in the last round against Diane Parry. However, Parry struggled badly in that match and Blinkova will need to play much better to challenge Collins. If the American produces any of the quality she possesses, Blinkova’s defense is unlikely to hold up against that pressure.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Elise Mertens vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Mertens 4-0 Siniakova
Siniakova has won many first-round matches this season, with her issue being several tight second-round losses in the third set. She will hope that the confidence gained from winning the WTA 125 event in Lleida last week will see her change those fortunes against the 27th seed Mertens. Both women play very similarly. Each has a very complete game, without having any major weapons. Mertens has implemented that style more consistently in their previous four matches. Despite Siniakova’s triumph in Lleida, Mertens is the favourite to prevail once again.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Lesia Tsurenko vs Anhelina Kalinina
Head-to-head: Tsurenko 1-0 Kalinina
Tsurenko won a thrilling battle against Donna Vekic in a final set tiebreak to set up this meeting with her fellow Ukrainian. Last year’s runner-up in Rome Kalinina has been inconsistent this year, although there have been flashes of brilliance in wins against Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu. This is likely to be competitive but Kalinina should come through. She proved last year that the conditions in Rome suit her game perfectly. Also, 36-year-old Tsurenko may be feeling slightly weary after her epic match with Vekic.
Prediction: Kalinina in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: Kenin 5-2 Jabeur
Hopefully, Jabeur found the positives from her tournament in Madrid. She won three matches in a row for the first time this season but then collapsed dramatically to Madison Keys in a 0-6 7-5 6-1 defeat. Kenin’s victory in the last round was just her third of of 2024. The former Australian Open winner will have gained some confidence from that, but Jabeur is given the edge in this matchup. Their head-to-head is not as worrying for Jabeur fans as it looks, since the two have not played in over three years. If Jabeur is feeling more confident after her improved performances in Madrid, the Tunisian’s variety on clay is likely to disrupt Kenin’s rhythm and take her to victory.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
