Jelena Ostapenko is set to compete at the WTA 1000 in Rome, the last top clay event before the French Open. Day 2 features many players looking to make their mark this clay season in the Italian capital.
Ostapenko vs Stefanini Match Preview
Ostapenko is known for her capability of the spectacular. However, she has had an underwhelming season, unable to win three consecutive games. She now faces Lucrezia Stefanini, a home player who received a wild card.
Stefanini has not had a good run, even at lower levels. She is arguably out of her depth against a player of Ostapenko’s quality. The main concern for Ostapenko will be maintaining focus. Stefanini will be keen to impress in front of a home crowd and may win a set.
Other WTA Rome Day 2 Match Predictions
Viktorija Golubic is set to face a young qualifier. Golubic has not been having the best of years and has been playing at lower levels. Her opponent, Urgesi, is not accustomed to this level and is out of her depth. Urgesi did well to come through qualifying, which is a plus. Golubic is a very crafty player with a lot of experience that the young Italian doesn’t have.
Golubic will certainly move her around and make what is new territory for Urgesi even more testing. The match rests on Golubic’s racquet.
Boulter to Face Lys
Katie Boulter is also competing. The German, Lys, has played only a handful of matches this year, and the results have been pretty awful, with only two wins since the start of the year. She did beat Boulter last year, as recently as October, so she should come into this match feeling a bit positive about her chances. Boulter has had a decent season so far by her standards and should really win this match. Their game styles are similar, both being aggressive baseliners.
Such a game style requires confidence in your shots, and Lys is likely short on that at the moment. Boulter should take advantage.
Potapova vs Galfi
Potapova is one of those players who has made their mark this clay season. She leads their head-to-head and, based on her recent form, should be very confident about this match-up. Fatigue is the only concern as she has played a lot recently. Galfi has had an encouraging few weeks, having also come through qualifiers against decent opposition.
Potapova is flying right now, and this feels like a match she should dominate.
Day 2 features a lot more matches involving a host of players yet to really make their mark this clay season, who and will certainly be looking to make a decent run here in the Italian capital.