2020 semifinalist Marketa Vondrousova is playing her first clay-court tournament of the season at the WTA 1000 in Rome, while Dayana Yastremska and Anastasia Potapova will battle in an match that looks extremely tight on paper. Meanwhile, in-form Olga Danilovic will contest her first Rome main draw against Katerina Siniakova. Who do you think will prevail in these tasty Wednesday encounters?
WTA Rome Day 2 Predictions
Marketa Vondrousova vs Xinyu Wang
Head-to-head: First meeting
Marketa Vondrousova had a couple of big runs at this event in the past (2019 quarterfinal, 2020 semifinal), but recently she just hasn’t been healthy at all. This is going to be her first appearance since Dubai and she’s yet to play a clay-court match this season. Because of that we’re basically guessing what her level might be, but on her favorite surface she’s usually able to get back into the groove quickly. Especially as Xinyu Wang is far from a clay-court master.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Katie Volynets vs Arantxa Rus
Head-to-head: Volynets 2-0
Of the two qualifiers, it feels like Arantxa Rus needed that run a little bit more after falling out of the Top 100. The 34-year-old has been a stable part of the WTA Tour these last couple of years, but now needs to show something extra to stay afloat. Katie Volynets defeated her in their both previous meetings and while she doesn’t have a high ceiling, she also doesn’t seem bothered by the Dutchwoman’s lefty topspin forehand. The pressure is on Rus to bring in something that could help her turn the matchup around.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Olga Danilovic
Head-to-head: Danilovic 1-0
Olga Danilovic might be a dark horse contender at this event; her form of late seems great. She dominated the WTA 125 event in Antalya, reached the final in Rouen, and then lost to the red-hot Ekaterina Alexandrova in Madrid two weeks ago. It should be enough to make her the favorite over Katerina Siniakova, whose singles form was a little spotty recently. The Czech made a good effort to get something going in Vic, but Danilovic is in the prime of her career at the moment.
Prediction: Danilovic in 2
Dayana Yastremska vs Anastasia Potapova
Head-to-head: Yastremska 2-1
Their games aren’t that similar, but some of their issues are. Both are capable of great things on their day, but producing that best level consistently has been a major struggle. Even in Madrid, Dayana Yastremska was so close to eliminating Coco Gauff while Anastasia Potapova reached the fourth round with a good run. The Ukrainian dominated their only clay meeting, but that came all the way back in 2018. Let’s say Potapova has a bit of an edge here with her more all-rounded game and stronger defending. It’s still a virtual coin flip.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
