WTA Rome: Linda Noskova vs Sonay Kartal

WTA Rome: Linda Noskova vs Sonay Kartal

🧠 Form & Context

Linda Noskova
After her impressive run in the Middle East earlier this season — reaching the semifinal in Abu Dhabi and the quarterfinal in Dubai — Noskova has hit a rough patch. She’s won just two matches across her last four events and recently suffered a worrying second-round loss in Rouen to Suzan Lamens. That came just a week after being beaten by Iga Swiatek in Madrid, a far more understandable result. Rome hasn’t been her happiest hunting ground either — one win each in her two previous appearances.

Sonay Kartal
Kartal arrived in Rome with little fanfare but opened with a gutsy three-set win over Kimberly Birrell, her first-ever WTA 1000 main-draw victory. That result fits a pattern: she’s quietly established herself as a dangerous underdog, with a 2024 title in Monastir (as a qualifier) and notable wins over players like Sorana Cirstea and Beatriz Haddad Maia. Her physicality and ability to grind have made her tough to put away, particularly on clay.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This is a classic clay-court clash of styles. Noskova brings the bigger weapons — clean ball-striking, a solid serve, and baseline aggression. But her game often suffers when rhythm breaks down, and Kartal is exactly the kind of opponent who forces you to problem-solve for three sets. The Brit moves well, returns consistently, and doesn’t go away. Noskova must avoid over-hitting or growing impatient in longer rallies.

🔮 Prediction

While Noskova has the higher ceiling and better WTA résumé, Kartal’s recent rise and match fitness give her more than just an outside chance. Expect momentum swings and tense moments. In the end, though, Noskova’s firepower may just be enough — if she can stay composed.

Prediction: Linda Noskova in 3 sets