Iga Swiatek vs Angelique Kerber: 2024 Italian Open Rome - Preview & Prediction

Iga Swiatek is still riding her winning streak, with Angelique Kerber being next in line, hoping to end it at the 2024 Italian Open.

The Polish player has been playing really solid tennis lately, especially in Madrid, where she went all the way to lift the WTA 1000 trophy. Her tennis in Rome so far hasn't been that special, but it didn't need to be, as she hasn't really faced the top players yet.

In the next round, though, she'll be facing a very tricky opponent. Veteran Kerber will try to do what nobody since Elena Rybakina has been able to do: beat the reigning world number one.

Swiatek is a two-time champion in the Italian Open, so she's no stranger to winning at Foro Italico, but the current world no. 1 will now have former world no. 1 in her way.

Head-to-head:

Kerber and Swiatek have played before, but it wasn't a very good time for the German. Swiatek won both of their matches and easily so. They actually faced each other earlier this year at the United Cup, and Swiatek won that one 6-3, 6-0, which was a brutal win.

The German player might have fared well in her prime, but at this stage of her career, it's a bit tricky. The power to counter Swiatek is not really there, and she's not as quick around the court either, which puts her in a tough spot against the Polish player who will undoubtedly look to move her around to find that one opening where the ball will certainly end up.

Prediction:

Swiatek hasn't played razor-sharp so far in Rome, but she didn't need to. She likely won't need to in this match either, and that just shows how good she has been over the past two years.

Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win in two sets