🎾 WTA Rome: Dayana Yastremska vs Anastasia Potapova

🎾 WTA Rome: Dayana Yastremska vs Anastasia Potapova – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇷🇺 Anastasia Potapova

• Injury scare resolved: Retired in Stuttgart but returned with three wins in Madrid, including a straight-sets victory over Zheng Qinwen.
• Momentum returning: Finally put together consecutive wins for the first time since February’s title in Cluj-Napoca.
• Clay ambitions: Still seeking a major run on red dirt—Madrid R16 was a positive step.
• Rome reliability: 2–0 in first-round matches here, suggesting early comfort with conditions.

🇺🇦 Dayana Yastremska

• Erratic clay swing: Retired in Stuttgart, then lost to Gauff in three sets in Madrid—her power game flickering in and out.
• Hard-court success: Had a red-hot start to 2025 with a final in Linz and deep runs at the Australian Open, Dubai, and Indian Wells.
• Clay concerns: Her game is less reliable on slower courts where control and movement are tested more rigorously.
• Rome struggles: Yet to make a meaningful mark at the Italian Open.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Potapova’s steadier clay foundation and renewed physical confidence after Madrid give her a strong edge coming into this match. Her ability to neutralize power with depth and angles will be tested against Yastremska’s first-strike aggression.

The Ukrainian has the firepower to take control early, but sustaining that level on red clay—especially against a consistent baseliner—is her biggest hurdle. Potapova’s strategy should be to stretch rallies, target the backhand wing, and force unforced errors out of Yastremska.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Potapova in 3 sets. Expect momentum shifts early, but the Russian’s superior clay IQ and patience should win out over Yastremska’s volatility.