WTA Rome Semifinal Prediction: Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff

The first WTA semifinal is set in Rome and it is a massive matchup between the #1 and #3 ranked players in the world. It is a rematch of the 2022 French Open final won by Swiatek. Swiatek is again in brilliant form looking to win back-to-back WTA 1000 events on clay. Do you think Gauff will beat her?

WTA Rome Semifinal Prediction

Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff

Head-to-head: 9-1 Swiatek

Coco Gauff faces maybe the toughest task in tennis right now: beating Swiatek on a clay court. Gauff has not had much success in the past against Swiatek. She did score her first win in Cincinnati last year in a tight three set match. However, Swiatek has not dropped a set in either of her nine wins over Gauff, including a 6-4 6-2 win at last year’s French Open in their last meeting on clay. Gauff will take some positives from the fact she knows how to beat Swiatek which will give her confidence she needs to have a chance. Swiatek is in fine form, following her Madrid title with dominance so far in Rome, winning all eight of her sets. Gauff has struggled a bit more, dropping a set in two of her four matches.

On court, this matchup leans in Swiatek’s favor. Her ability to defend almost every ball hit her way can handle Gauff’s power, especially at the slow Rome courts. Gauff has fared well against other top players by fighting power with power, but Swiatek’s combination of defense with the ability to crush a forehand when needed makes her lethal. She is a danger on every return game and consistent on serve which is the closest thing she has to a weakness. Gauff will have to focus on finesse to stay in the match but Swiatek will most likely stay in control. She will frustrate Gauff, cause her to overhit, and force her into errors. Gauff has been playing good tennis but is just not at Swiatek’s level right now and this will be another straight set win.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2