Top seed Aryna Sabalenka begins her 2026 WTA Rome campaign against former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova in a mouthwatering second-round match. Who will reach the next round?

WTA Rome Day 3 Predictions
Solana Sierra vs Anhelina Kalinina

‎Head-to-head: first meeting

‎Sierra made short work of German qualifier Tamara Korpatsch in the opening round. Korpatsch was visibly fatigued after playing a three-and-a-half-hour qualifying match less than 24 hours before the start of the main draw. The Argentine was the fresher player and won the match in straight sets. While Kalinina went through qualifying this week, she did so without dropping a set and benefited from having a day off. The Ukrainian’s game suits this surface (former finalist) and her ranking is quietly soaring.

Prediction: Kalinina in 2

Katerina Siniakova vs Anna Kalinskaya

‎Head-to-head: Kalinskaya 2-1 Siniakova

‎Siniakova arrived in Rome with noticeably heavy strapping on her leg. That suggested she may be managing a niggling injury, but the Czech did not look in a spot of bother on the match court as she swept aside Lois Boisson 6-2 6-3 in 80 minutes. Siniakova’s game depends a lot on her agility and footwork, and that will be put to the test against a flat hitter like Kalinskaya. The Russian can expose any movement limitations.

Prediction: Kalinskaya in 2

McCartney Kessler vs Iva Jovic

‎Head-to-head: first meeting

‎This is a very interesting all-American clash. Kessler stood out as one of the most improved players on tour in the past year. Although she’s lost some of that spark, she remains dangerous. Jovic is flying high right now and she’s not far off from legitimately contending for a Top 10 spot. The 18-year-old had a decent start to the clay swing, and I expect her to carry that momentum into Rome.

‎Prediction: Jovic in 2

Aryna Sabalenka vs Barbora Krejcikova

Head-to-head: Sabalenka 6-1 Krejcikova

The French Open is one of two Grand Slams missing from Sabalenka’s trophy cabinet. Last year, she came up short in the final. The Belarusian will be a strong contender once again, but her shock loss to Hailey Baptiste in Madrid is a reminder that she is not invincible on this surface. Krejcikova is a potentially tricky match for the top seed. But the Czech has not played many matches this season and may lack the rhythm to trouble Sabalenka if this gets tight.

‎

‎Prediction: Sabalenka in 2

Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images