WTA Rome: Leylah Fernandez vs Antonia Ruzic

WTA Rome: Leylah Fernandez vs Antonia Ruzic

🧠 Form & Context

Leylah Fernandez
The Canadian has yet to unlock Rome’s secrets, having failed to reach the third round in her past three appearances. Her 2025 season has been patchy—11 wins and 10 losses—and she enters this clash needing back-to-back victories for the first time since Indian Wells. Despite that, she carries pedigree as a former US Open finalist and French Open quarterfinalist, and her lefty baseline game tends to shine in slower conditions.

Antonia Ruzic
The 20-year-old Croat is enjoying a dream debut in Rome. After battling through qualifying with a win over Jule Niemeier, she edged past Tyra Caterina Grant in a dramatic first round, saving match points and showcasing steely nerves. Now flirting with a top-100 breakthrough, she steps onto court against a top-50 player for the first time in her career.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Fernandez’s left-handed variation and clay-court experience should prove too much if she avoids mental lapses. Her ability to redirect pace and control the tempo of rallies with her crosscourt forehand could limit Ruzic’s time to build rhythm.

Ruzic is a clever and composed baseliner, but lacks the physicality and top-level match experience to consistently pressure Fernandez across two sets. While the Croatian may make this a grind with depth and placement, she’s likely to be outmaneuvered in key points if Fernandez serves well and stays aggressive.

🔮 Prediction

Prediction: Fernandez in straight sets. Ruzic will make her work, especially in the first set, but Leylah’s tactical tools and experience at this level should seal the deal.