Yastremska and Potapova Renew Rivalry at 2025 Italian Open

Rome, Italy – Dayana Yastremska is set to take on Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the 2025 WTA Italian Open. The winner will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the next round.

Both players come into the match with mixed results so far this season. Yastremska, currently ranked No. 45, lost to Potapova in Brisbane but rebounded at the Linz Open, defeating Maria Sakkari and Clara Tauson before losing to Ekaterina Alexandrova in the final. However, Yastremska’s latest performance saw her exit in the second round of the Madrid Open, falling to Coco Gauff.

Potapova, who sits at No. 34 in the world, has experienced similar ups and downs. She celebrated a victory at the Winner's Open after defeating Lucia Bronzetti in a tight three-set match but struggled recently, losing in straight sets to Marta Kostyuk in the Round of 16 in Madrid.

As they prepare for their third encounter this season, Yastremska leads their head-to-head matchup 2-1. They first met in the 2018 Rome final, where Yastremska emerged victorious in straight sets. In 2025, they have faced each other twice, with Potapova gaining a measure of revenge in Brisbane before Yastremska regained the upper hand in Dubai.

Both players are looking to build momentum. Yastremska has showcased her powerful shot-making ability, particularly during her run in Linz, but remains prone to inconsistency. Potapova, with a WTA title this year and a more stable baseline game, appears to have the edge based on recent performance.

Yastremska will aim to find her rhythm early to overpower Potapova again, while Potapova seeks to level their rivalry. With both players motivated and their records closely matched, the outcome seems too close to call.

The match is anticipated to be a thrilling showdown, capturing the intensity of this evolving rivalry.