One match to preview from the WTA Italian Open qualifying final in Rome today, and it's a genuinely close one. A spot in the main draw is on the line, so both players have plenty of reason to dig in.
WTA Italian Open Predictions
Mayar Sherif vs Tamara Korpatsch
Head-to-head: Sherif 1-1 Korpatsch
All square between these two, and neither win came on clay as far as we know, so the surface doesn't really settle the debate here. Sherif is the more natural clay-courter of the two and has had some strong results on the surface at this level, but she's ranked 15 spots below Korpatsch right now and hasn't been consistent enough recently to feel confident backing her.
Korpatsch is a grinder and Rome's slower clay, which has tripped up more than a few aggressive baseliners this week, should suit the way she keeps the ball in play and waits for her moment. I feel like she's just about the right call here, should still find a way to get through, though don't be surprised if Sherif pushes this deep into a third. These two seem to bring out long matches in each other.
Prediction: Korpatsch in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Rob Prange/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire