WTA Rome Day 5 Predictions Including Coco Gauff vs Jaqueline Cristian

Angelique Kerber vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich

Head-to-head: Kerber 2-1 Sasnovich

Both players won surprisingly easily in the last round. Kerber bested Veronika Kudermetova 6-3 6-0, while Sasnovich thrashed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 6-1. Sasnovich, who had been struggling this year until this event, will look to prolong the rallies and test the physical condition of the 36-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion. The quality of Kerber’s shots are undoubtedly superior, but this is an awkward matchup for her on clay at this stage of her career, with the German better suited to playing powerful hitters like Kudermetova. Sasnovich to prevail in three sets.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3

Madison Keys vs Beatriz Haddad Maia

Head-to-head: Haddad Maia 1-0 Keys

Both players battled hard in the previous round. Haddad Maia recovered from a set down against Xiyu Wang, while Keys fended off a spirited comeback attempt to beat Camila Osorio in three sets. Last week’s semifinalist in Madrid, Keys, is in good form. However, this could be a tough matchup for her. Haddad Maia’s heavy left-handed topspin forehand is capable of keeping the ball away from the formidable Keys forehand and extract unforced errors. The Brazilian’s consistency has a great chance of stopping the American’s strong run of form.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2

Coco Gauff vs Jaqueline Cristian

Head-to-head: First meeting

This is likely to be a tough match for Gauff. Cristian has had a very strong clay-court season so far. She was a quarterfinalist in Charleston, reached the third-round in Madrid and beat Elina Avanesyan to set up this meeting. The Romanian will try and dominate the forehand exchanges, which is the one area where she does have an advantage. Gauff’s level has been inconsistent this year but the American should still have enough to progress. Her vastly superior backhand and ability to attack Cristian’s second serve could be the key factors in swinging this contest in her favour.
Prediction: Gauff in 2