LiontipsIga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova. Predictions and Betting Tips for WTA Rome
Command Analysis
In year 2021 Iga Swiatek claimed a title at Adelaide. Polish player had a confident run through the main draw, she didn't lose a single set there and beat Belinda Bencic in the final (6:2, 6:2).
It is only second clay tournament in this season for Iga. One week ago, at Madrid, Polish played was stopped in the round of 16 by the first-seeded Ashleigh Barty (5:7, 4:6).
At Rome, Swiatek improved her game and advanced to the final. We should mention that 15th-ranked player gave away only one set during this tournament. It happened in the round of 16, against Barbora Krejcikova (3:6, 7:6, 7:5). It was the most difficult match for Swiatek, it took incredible effort from her to turn the second set around.
Because of the rain Iga Swiatek had to play two matches on May 15 - quarter-final and then semi-final. But Polish player is in excellent shape, so she managed to claim confident victories over Elina Svitolina (6:2, 7:5) and then over Cori Gauff (7:6, 6:3).
In our predictions for Karolina Pliskova matches we were always mentioning that Rome is one of the most successful tournament for her. In 2019 Czech player claimed a title here, beating Johanna Konta in the final (6:3, 6:4). In the previous year Karolina reached the final, but couldn't finish the decisive match against Simona Halep because of injury.
In this year Karolina approached the Rome tournament in a questionable form. At two previous clay tournaments, in Stuttgart and in Madrid, Czech player won only three matches. But at Rome ninth-ranked WTA player shined again.
In first two rounds against Sevastova (6:2, 6:3) and Zvonareva (7:5, 6:3) Karolina secured clean victories. But then she had many problems in a fixture against Ostapenko (4:6, 7:5, 7:6). Pliskova managed to come back after a several match-points in this match. Then she again needed three sets to beat Martic in the semi-final (6:1, 3:6, 6:2).
Looking at her results at Rome, we can't say that Pliskova is at her peak now. She had many unforced errors and her first serve was not always successful. In a match against Ostapenko Czech player had 13 double faults
Trends
СтавкаTiebreak in a match: yes
In two out of last three Swiatek's matches at Rome tiebreaks were played
СтавкаSets total over 2.5
In last two Pliskova's matches at Rome set exchange took place
Tip and bets
Iga Swiatek is an overwhelming favourite of the Rome final by bookmakers' choice. Odds on her victory are somewhere around 1.50. That's not a surprise, Polish player had a more confident run through the main draw and deserved a trophy.
But Rome tournament is special for Pliskova. Karolina got into a final due to incredible effort and won't give up to her young competitor without a fight.
Our prediction - Pliskova to win with a handicap of (+4.5) games
Both opponents secured victories in closely contested matches recently. Pliskova needed three sets in both quarter-final and semi-final to win. In our prediction we expect another intense matchup and a high number of games.
Our second bet is on total over 20.5 games
