🎾 WTA Rome: Elina Svitolina vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

🎾 WTA Rome: Elina Svitolina vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

Elina Svitolina

• Clay streak ignited: Has already equaled her 2024 clay win total in just two events, going 9–1 (excluding BJK Cup).
• Momentum builder: Won the Rouen title and made the Madrid semifinals, only losing to Sabalenka.
• Dominant spell: Had a 22-set win streak snapped by Sabalenka in Madrid—her best post-maternity form to date.
• Rome royalty: Two-time Italian Open champion (2017, 2018) with a 16–5 career record at this tournament.

Jessica Bouzas Maneiro

• Survival act: Came through a chaotic 3-set win vs Ann Li in R1, saving match points and breaking serve 8 times.
• Slow start, late spark: Just 3 wins in her first three months of 2025 but now trending upward with recent QFs at 125Ks and strong BJK Cup showings.
• Inexperienced at this level: Can go hot or cold, especially under scoreboard pressure or when the serve drops in quality.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Svitolina is riding a major wave of confidence and physical sharpness, and her Rome record speaks for itself. Her court coverage, return game, and clay patience make her a nightmare matchup for a less experienced opponent like Bouzas Maneiro.

The Spaniard will need to serve big, take risks on her forehand, and stay mentally steady for long rallies—but against Svitolina’s backboard-like defense and tactical acumen, that’s easier said than done.

This is also Bouzas Maneiro’s first appearance on a center court at a WTA 1000, which may amplify nerves and highlight the level gap.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Svitolina in straight sets. Her current form, Rome history, and game style make her a near lock to advance efficiently.