For the second WTA 1000 event in a row, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will play in the final, this time at the 2024 Italian Open.
The last event on the calendar before the tournament in Rome was the Madrid Open. It was an interesting event, with the world no. 1 and no. 2 players proving to be the best.
They faced each other in the final, and it was a spectacular battle that ultimately saw Swiatek lift the trophy. Sabalenka had match points but just couldn't quite convert.
She'll have another chance to beat her rival this week in Rome as they're going to face each other once more. Swiatek downed Coco Gauff while Sabalenka proved better than Danielle Collins.
Swiatek and Sabalenka have played many matches so far. It's the top rivalry in women's tennis, but generally, it's been on the side of the Polish player. With the win in Madrid last week, Iga leads it 7-3, and that's quite a convincing score.
Even on clay, it doesn't look that better because Swiatek leads 4-1, and the only match she lost was in Madrid last year. She's the better player on clay and will arguably enjoy an easier time in Rome compared to Madrid.
Even so, Sabalenka should not be underestimated because, with her power and aggressive nature, she's more than capable of causing problems.
| Aryna Sabalenka | Iga Swiatek | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | H2H | 7 |
| 2 | Rank | 1 |
| 26 | Age | 22 |
| 25-6 | 2024 W/L | 37-4 |
| 385-180 | Career W/L | 318-70 |
With everything that we've seen from the players on clay so far, it's kind of hard to argue against Swiatek. She's looked pretty good this week, albeit somewhat vulnerable at moments.
Sabalenka has also had bad moments, but when she needed to, she stepped up considerably. It won't be an easy match for the Polish player, but she should win again.
Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win in three sets.