Rome Previews: Can Iga Swiatek find her jogging in Jessica Pegula rematch?

Elena Rybakina vs. Elina Svitolina

These two are each having what may flip into career-best seasons. Rybakina has received a Slam and risen to No. 2; Svitolina has received a title, put up a 26-7 document, and re-entered the Top 10. Rybakina’s run was not surprising, contemplating that she’s nonetheless simply 26, and she or he closed 2025 with a title run on the WTA Finals. Svitolina’s emergence, although, has been a shock. At 31, after three seasons outdoors the Top 20, and a psychological break late final yr, her greatest days gave the impression to be behind her.

They’ve performed seven occasions, and Rybakina has received 4 of these matches, together with their most up-to-date, in the Indian Wells semifinals in March. But Svitolina has received two of three on clay, and that semi at IW was a detailed two-setter. She’s most likely a extra pure clay-courter than Rybakina, and is able to an upset right here.

But simply as it’s for Pegula when she faces Swiatek, that is an uphill battle for Svitolina. She has dedicated to a extra aggressive recreation fashion in 2026, and it has labored towards most opponents. But to win the power-baseline battle towards Rybakina, she may need to throw warning apart and purple line her recreation. Even if she does that efficiently, Rybakina will all the time have an opportunity to equalize with her serve. Winner: Rybakina

👉 Estimated begin time: 1:00 pm ET | 10:00 a.m. PT

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