A blockbuster all-American WTA clash is scheduled for the seventh day in Rome. Last year’s runner-up Coco Gauff will face rising teenage star Iva Jovic. Jelena Ostapenko and Elina Svitolina’s matches are also predicted in this piece. The remaining contests, including Mirra Andreeva vs Elise Mertens, are covered in a separate article.

WTA Rome Day 7 Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Anna Kalinskaya

Head-to-head: Kalinskaya 4-0 Ostapenko

Kalinskaya’s playing style does not suit Ostapenko, which explains the one-sided head-to-head. Similar to Victoria Azarenka, against whom Ostapenko is 0-5, Kalinskaya’s groundstrokes are very flat, and she is not intimidated by pace. That makes the Latvian’s ultra-aggressive game not land as well. Ostapenko’s chances are better on clay, but Kalinskaya is still backed to prevail.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3

Elena Rybakina vs Karolina Pliskova

Head-to-head: Rybakina 4-0 Pliskova

Pliskova has never taken a set from Rybakina, although three of the eight they have contested went to a tiebreak. The 34-year-old is in great form after winning seven of her last eight matches, and does not have much to lose in this matchup. I feel Pliskova will get a maiden set against Rybakina, but the Australian Open champion’s slightly more relentless hitting will ultimately be victorious.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3

Elina Svitolina vs Nikola Bartunkova

Head-to-head: First meeting

Three of Bartunkova’s four triumphs since qualifying have come in the deciding set. Being so battle-hardened will likely be beneficial against a fighter like Svitolina. The Ukrainian easily won her opening two matches in Rome. Bartunkova always produces some magic, and I expect each set to be competitive. Overall, though, Svitolina is expected to progress without needing a decider.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2

Coco Gauff vs Iva Jovic

Head-to-head: First meeting

Gauff battled through her opening two matches without being perfect. That has become something of a trademark for the French Open winner, who is the best scrapper in women’s tennis. Expect plenty of lengthy rallies between two excellent athletes on a slow court. Who can stay mentally strongest will be particularly important in this matchup. That gives Gauff a slight edge.
Prediction: Gauff in 3

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports