Three fourth round picks from the Italian Open today, and all of them are first meetings, so there's no head-to-head history to lean on. Plenty of interesting tennis ahead though, so let's get into it.
WTA Italian Open Predictions
Cori Gauff vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-head: First meeting
Jovic has had a solid season and breaking into the top 20 at her age is no small thing, but this is a step up in class. Gauff is one of the best clay-court players on the tour right now, and Rome specifically has been a happy hunting ground for her. She reads the game well in long rallies and doesn't panic when things get tight.
Jovic will have her moments, and I think this goes three sets, but Gauff's quality should tell in the end.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Elise Mertens vs Mirra Andreeva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Mertens is a tricky opponent for anyone, she's consistent and experienced and rarely beats herself, but Andreeva has been one of the most impressive players on tour this year and at 17 she's already ranked 8th in the world. That's genuinely remarkable. The slow Roman clay suits her heavy baseline game and she's been getting better at finding another gear when she needs it.
Hard to see this being competitive at all, though Mertens will make her work for it.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Diana Shnaider
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shnaider has genuine power and has been dangerous on clay this season, so this is far from a walkover. That said, Osaka has looked more like herself lately and the flat, heavy ball she hits can be surprisingly effective even on slower surfaces. Shnaider's game can go flat when the errors creep in and Osaka is good at grinding through the chaotic moments without losing her head.
I feel like Osaka gets through here, all things considered, though it might take a while.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire