First-round action in WTA Rome continues with former Top 10 player Maria Sakkari taking on last year’s French Open junior champion Lilli Tagger. Who will book their spot in the next round?
Head-to-head: first meeting
Time will tell whether Madrid was a season-defining moment for Karolina Pliskova. After her documented injury struggles, the former world No. 1 reached the last eight in the Spanish capital. It was her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in a long time. She now faces a tough task to build on that result. Bouzas Manero is a tough competitor with an admirable work ethic and will put a lot of returns back in play. Still, I think Pliskova edges this if she can dominate with her serve.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Head-to-head: first meeting
Italian World No. 427 Noemi Basiletti reached the main draw on her debut appearance. The 20-year-old shocked Daria Snigur in the last round of qualifying in a thrilling match. Tomlajnovic doesn’t have a great track record at WTA Rome and lost in qualifying to Leolia Jeanjean. The Aussie enters the main draw as a lucky loser, but should make the gap in experience and firepower count in this match.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 2
Head-to-head: first meeting
Bejlek is up to 37th in the new rankings, just a few spots from a seeding position for the French Open. So, this is a big week for the young Czech who is enjoying a breakout season. Had it not been for injuries, Bejlek might have clinched it. She missed the build-up to the Sunshine Swing and hasn’t played since losing to Belinda Bencic in Charleston. And facing Laura Siegemund on clay right off the bat is a difficult assignment. That said, I trust Bejlek if she is healthy. Her heavier game should eventually break through Siegemund’s variety.
Prediction: Bejlek in 3
Head-to-head: first meeting
Korpatsch won a dramatic final round of qualifying at WTA Rome. The German saved a match point against Mayar Sherif and prevailed 3-6 7-5 7-6 in three and a half hours. With minimal recovery time, that physical and mental drain could linger. Sierra should be in a good spot to seize that advantage. The Argentine has the fresher pair of legs and carries some momentum after reaching the last 16 in Madrid.
Prediction: Sierra in 2
Head-to-head: Sakkari 6-0 Tagger
Tagger is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting young players to watch this swing. She made the quarterfinals at her home tournament in Linz, where she produced two mesmerizing performances against Paula Badosa and Liudmila Samsonova. Sakkari has struggled to be consistent in recent years, but the Greek is a physically gifted athlete and is tough to beat on this surface.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
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