WTA Rome: Leylah Fernandez vs Marta Kostyuk

WTA Rome: Leylah Fernandez vs Marta Kostyuk

🧠 Form & Context

Leylah Fernandez
Fernandez secured her first second-round win at the Italian Open since 2022 by beating Antonia Ruzic. However, inconsistency continues to plague her 2025 campaign, with just two wins across her previous five events before Rome. Still searching for a notable top-50 win on clay this season, Fernandez needs a sharper service game and cleaner baseline execution to advance further.

Marta Kostyuk
Kostyuk has stormed into form in Rome, demolishing Alexandra Eala and outclassing Daria Kasatkina without dropping a set. Her 2025 has been defined by consistency, with deep runs at WTA 1000 events and notable top-20 wins on clay. After previous struggles at the Italian Open, she’s showing new maturity and patience on slow surfaces this season.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Fernandez’s counterpunching and lefty angles could cause some discomfort, but her low first-serve percentage and difficulties sustaining aggression on clay are concerning. Kostyuk, on the other hand, is playing composed, aggressive baseline tennis with far better rally tolerance. Unless Fernandez rediscovers elite service rhythm and sharpness, she will struggle to withstand Kostyuk’s controlled power.

🔮 Prediction

Marta Kostyuk’s superior form, clay rhythm, and tactical discipline should carry her through. Expect Fernandez to fight, but Kostyuk has the tools to keep her on the defensive.

Prediction: Kostyuk in straight sets, with one tight set possible if Fernandez starts strong.