Jasmine Paolini begins her title defense at the WTA 1000 in Rome. The World No. 8 must win the title at the very least to retain her faint Top 10 status. Will Paolini prevail in her opening match?

WTA Rome Day 3 Predictions

Clara Tauson vs Oleksandra Oliynykova

‎Head-to-head: first meeting

‎This match has upset potential written all over it. Tauson has the higher upside, and when she lands her serve and picks her spot from the forehand wing, very few players can match her. But the problem has been consistency, and the Dane has suffered some minor injuries this season. She hasn’t played since retiring in Miami. Oliynykova is a threat on this surface. She’s had solid, consistent results throughout her career on clay, competing at the lower levels. I think it is only a matter of time before she can emulate those results at the WTA level. Any dips from Tauson and this could be an early exit on her comeback.

‎Prediction: Oliynykova in 3

Tatjana Maria vs Sorana Cirstea

‎Head-to-head: Cirstea 5-1 Maria

‎Maria is as predictable as they come. She’ll slice almost every ball and drag Cirstea into uncomfortable patterns. The German is also a handful. But Cirstea is also a veteran of the sport and she’s having an incredible 2026 season, which is her last on tour. She’s playing some of the most controlled tennis of her late career stretch. I expect her to have all the answers against Maria’s slice-and-dice game.

‎Prediction: Cirstea in 2

Maya Joint vs Viktorija Golubic

Head-to-head: 2-0 Golubic

Joint was forced into a two-month absence from the Tour because of a lower back injury. She was on a six-match losing streak when she exited in the opening round at Indian Wells. Joint brings a 2-0 head-to-head advantage in this match and defeated Golubic in three sets when they played in Rome qualifying 12 months ago. But there is so much uncertainty about what to expect from Joint in her first match post-injury. Golubic, for her part, was in exceptional form, beating Federica Urgesi. If Joint’s timing is even slightly off, Golubic might nick this.
Prediction: Golubic in 3

Jasmine Paolini vs Leolia Jeanjean

Head-to-head: Paolini 1-0 Jeanjean

‎This might be the tournament that kickstarts Paolini’s season. She’s had a stuttering campaign so far and she could leave the top 10 depending on how she fares as defending champion. Jeanjean had a strong qualifying run and beat a struggling Haddad Maia in the first round. But the Frenchwoman is not a player who can consistently hurt Paolini in longer exchanges, even if Paolini’s confidence is at an all-time low right now. This is a match-up Paolini can control from start to finish if she uses the crowd and keeps her nerves in check.

‎Prediction: Paolini in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports