There are a whopping 22 matches scheduled on Day 2 of the WTA Masters tournament in Rome. As always, we here at LWOT predict every single one of them for you. We split the day’s matches between five articles. In addition to this article, our others feature Sofia Kenin vs Lucia Bronzetti, Naomi Osaka vs Clara Burel, Donna Vekic vs Lesia Tsurenko, and Caroline Dolehide vs Bernarda Pera. Who do you think will advance to the second round?
Brancaccio received a wild card into this event, and maybe the home crowd can help her. On pure game, though, she’s very outmatched here. Don’t be surprised if the fans are very quickly disappointed in this one.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
A potentially fun match between two players with lots of potential who really like the clay. Neither is in particularly top form right now, though Zarazua looked impressive in qualifying. That familiarity with the venue might give her the edge she needs, especially against a local opponent.
Prediction: Zarazua in 3
A few years ago, both of these women were on top of the world. Fruhvirtova was a young up-and-comer charging to the top of the game, while Maria was coming back from a maternity hiatus with incredible results. Both have fallen to earth since then, though both still have flashes of brilliance. At some point, age will catch up with Maria. But it isn’t yet, and I think she has the advantages in this matchup.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Carle has very quietly snuck her way into the Top 100 recently. She is a solid player in good form who likes the clay. That’s always a fun combination coming into a big clay event. Siegemund looked strong in qualifying, which means this could be a very good match.
Prediction: Carle in 3
Neither of these players are anywhere near their peak anymore. For the 37-year-old Errani, that’s understandable. For Anisimova, less so. The American’s has never really bounced back after she took a break following the tragic death of her father when she was still a teenager, and injuries along the way have not helped. Still, she likes the clay, and she should have way too much game for the Italian here, even on unfriendly soil.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
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