WTA Rome Day 2 Predictions Including Eala vs Frech

Day 2 of the WTA 1000 in Rome features matches involving a host of players yet to really make their mark in this clay season, and will certainly be looking to make a decent run here in the Italian capital. We here at LWOT will, as always, offer our insights on the matches and who might advance. Let’s dive in.

WTA Rome Day 2 Predictions

Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Sinja Kraus

Head-to-head: first meeting

Kraus enjoys playing on clay and spend a lot of time on it. Her first-round opponent is the spirited and hard-fighting Italian, Cocciaretto, who, despite not having a good clay season, will be desperate to put up a good performance in front of her home fans. Both players will feel this match is there for the taking, and right now, the Austrian fills me with more confidence.
Prediction: Kraus in 2

Taylor Townsend vs Nuria Brancaccio

Head-to-head: first meeting

Brancaccio is another Italian who has benefited from a wild card entry. She also comes into this in a worrying form, even while playing lower-level tournaments. Townsend hasn’t played many clay matches this season, but considering the level and form Brancaccio brings to this contest, and the American’s all-court prowess, anything other than a win will be a very disappointing result. It’s time for the American to get going in a match she really should be winning.
Prediction: Townsend in 2

Lisa Pigato vs Tyra Caterina Grant

Head-to-head: first meeting

An all-Italian affair between two players who are generally strangers to this level. They find themselves here courtesy of wild cards and will hope to make the most of what is a golden opportunity. The match against a compatriot always has that extra difficulty, and both players will certainly feel the pressure. It is a tough one to call, but I’m going with the higher-ranked Italian who has also enjoyed more success in this clay season.
Prediction: Pigato in 3

Alexandra Eala vs Magdalena Frech

Head-to-head: first meeting

Eala has not had a good outing in her three clay tournaments this year, recording only two wins. Luckily for her, she comes up against a player who has even had a worse time of things in Frech, who has lost her last five matches. Frech will look to frustrate Eala, who will be looking to control the match and dictate points. This match probably comes down to how much the Filipino can exert her aggression without losing control. It should make for an interesting cat-and-dog kind of match. Normally, I’d expect Frech to be able to successfully frustrate Eala in this kind of match-up, but her recent form does not instil confidence.
Prediction: Eala in 3

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images