WTA Italian Open Day 3: Top Stars Face Off in Exciting Matchups

Rome, Italy – The WTA Italian Open moves into second-round action on Day 3, featuring a lineup filled with notable players. Among them are World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, Jelena Ostapenko, and Karolina Muchova.

Jessica Pegula kicks off her 2025 Italian Open campaign against compatriot Ashlyn Krueger. Pegula, who has a perfect 4-0 record against Krueger, is eager to bounce back after a disappointing early exit in Madrid. Krueger secured her spot in the second round by coming back to defeat Anna Bondar with scores of 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Both players look to reflect their performance on the clay surface but Pegula remains the favorite. Prediction: Pegula in straight sets.

In another intriguing matchup, Beatriz Haddad Maia faces Marie Bouzkova. Haddad Maia recently ended a nine-match losing streak with a victory in Madrid but has struggled this season. Despite her 4-0 head-to-head record against Bouzkova, each of their previous encounters went to three sets, providing Bouzkova an opportunity to claim her first win. Prediction: Bouzkova in 3.

Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko takes on Rebecca Sramkova. Ostapenko, coming off a title win in Stuttgart, aims to continue her strong form at the Italian Open where she has previously excelled. Sramkova will work to capitalize on her strong first serve from the first round but faces a formidable opponent in Ostapenko. Prediction: Ostapenko in 3.

Karolina Muchova, returning to clay after over a month off, will take on Lucia Bronzetti. Muchova, noted for her versatility across surfaces, looks to find her rhythm quickly and could pose challenges for Bronzetti. Many believe Muchova’s skill set will be too much for Bronzetti, who won her first-round match but may not advance further. Prediction: Muchova in 2.