The second round of the WTA Masters event in Rome ends on Day 4. All of the best women in the world will be looking to advance in the last big event before the French Open arrives. Will we see any upsets? As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches. We split Friday’s 16 matches between four articles, including this one. The other three articles feature Ons Jabeur vs Sofia Kenin, Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Katie Volynets. Who do you think will win in the Italian capital?
WTA Rome Day 4 Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Sara Errani
Errani is in the twilight of her career, thought hat twilight seems to be lasting quite a while. Still, she should be completely outclassed by Elina Svitolina, who has looked stronger than ever since coming back from a maternity hiatus last year.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Victoria Azarenka vs Magda Linette
Azarenka, unlike Svitolina, has never quite been the same since she took her maternity break. This should be a fun battle between two powerful ballstrikers. Ultimately, I think Azarenka has the better game, though her inconsistency at times makes it tough to rely on her.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
Pavlyuchenkova finally found her breakthrough in 2021, when she reached the French Open final. Since then, she hasn’t replicated that success. It will likely never come for the Russian, but her game is capable of being the best in the world at any time.
Prediction: Pavlychenkova in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Editor’s Note: After publication of this article, Rybakina withdrew due to illness. She was replaced by Lucky Loser Oceane Dodin.
Rybakina is a Grand Slam champion and perhaps the best ballstriker on Tour. There is nothing in Begu’s expansive repertoire that can deal with her power. Rybakina should win easily.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
