Analysis of the draw in the WTA Rome 2026: Sabalenka avoids Swiatek and other favorites

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A great celebration for women's tennis is on the horizon. The WTA 1000 Roma 2026 emerges as a golden opportunity for the world's best to redeem themselves after the events in Madrid and clip the wings of players dreaming of emulating Kostyuk. Aryna Sabalenka will arrive particularly motivated, seeking to conquer one of the titles that have eluded her in her career.

These are good times for women's tennis, and every big tournament week is a chance to enjoy this peak. For two weeks, the Foro Itálico will host a battle for the title in the WTA 1000 Roma 2026 that promises to be exciting, with the top favorites aiming to assert their dominance and many second-tier players ready to lead the charge, following Kostyuk's example in Madrid. It's worth taking a detailed look at the opponents of Aryna Sabalenka and company round by round.

 This is the women's draw of the WTA Roma 2026 after the draw

1st Quarter

Eager for redemption. This is how Sabalenka arrives at a tournament where she has never triumphed and where she might have to overcome tough obstacles right from the start. Facing a Grand Slam champion like Krejcikova in her debut is never pleasant, regardless of the Czech's lack of rhythm and confidence. In the third round, Cirstea would pose a complex challenge, while the round of 16 matchup seems more manageable. Two players, Tauson and Noskova, stand as strong candidates for that round, hitting with great power but lacking the necessary stability to surprise the world number 1.

Her potential quarterfinal opponent would be Anisimova, who is far from facing this tour with confidence. Ostapenko could be a very dangerous rival for her in the first round, and if Zheng continues progressing in her return to the courts, she could entirely shake up this section. Bencic also competes for a spot in the quarterfinals, in a part of the draw with uncertain predictions.

2nd Quarter

Gauff has much to prove in this tournament, which could suit her abilities but where she arrives with accumulated skepticism from Madrid. Starting against Putintseva is not comfortable, knowing the Kazakh's tactical intelligence, while in the third round, she might face Raducanu, full of talent but lacking rhythm, or Sierra, who performed well in Madrid and is on the rise, especially on this surface. Iva Jovic seems to be the main challenge in this zone, although the young American isn't entirely at ease on clay.

It would be logical for Andreeva to continue her good form and reach the quarterfinals, particularly as there are no major threats in her section. While Paolini's name stands out in a potential round of 16 matchup, the reigning champion at the Foro Itálico is far from her peak form.

3rd Quarter

All the technical and tactical changes made by Swiatek in this new stage of her career need time to mature, but the tour doesn't provide that luxury. The Polish player arrives in Rome needing to convert her improvements into tangible results, facing a highly demanding start to the tournament. Kasatkina, coming off a title win in La Bisbal d'Empordá, McNally as a dangerous player, and Cocciaretto, who excels at home, stand as her initial challenges. Overcoming these hurdles, she could face Naomi Osaka in the round of 16, posing a significant threat.

For Pegula, hostilities could arise in the round of 16 where the talented Muchova could challenge her solidity. There are high expectations surrounding the Czech on clay, although her recent form hasn't showcased her best tennis.

4th Quarter

If there is one woman eager to prove herself after the events in Madrid, it's Rybakina. She arrived in excellent form and aimed to close in on the World No. 1 position, objectives she'll pursue in Rome. Sakkari presents a tough challenge for her debut, while it would be intriguing to see what the young Eala can bring in a potential match between them. In the round of 16, the name of Kostyuk, the recent Madrid champion, looms.

Regarding her potential quarterfinal rival, Svitolina, it won't be easy for the Ukrainian to reach that stage. Baptiste arrives with confidence after her strong performance in Madrid, Starodubtseva is in good form, and both Mboko and Keys can deliver on any given day. A notable challenge for both favorites in this quadrant of the draw.

This is the complete draw of the WTA 1000 Roma 2026

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Análisis del cuadro en el WTA Roma 2026: Sabalenka evita a Swiatek y otras favoritas