Aryna Sabalenka vs Anastasia Potapova Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Potentially tricky Rome opener for Sabalenka

Sabalenka has put together a successful start to her clay swing, winning eight of her nine matches - including securing the title in Madrid last week, where she dropped just one set throughout the tournament. Having captured the third clay title of her career, Sabalenka will now turn her attention to Rome, where she finished runner-up last year to Iga Swiatek.

In terms of ranking, Sabalenka couldn't have asked for a more difficult opening match in Rome after her bye, with Potapova an extremely flashy player who is capable of some big tennis at times. Potapova also played well in Madrid, reaching the fourth round, while she saved a match point in her Rome opener, so she's essentially playing with house money here. Wouldn't surprise me if Sabalenka has a bit of a letdown here - she dropped a set early on in Madrid against Elise Mertens and backing up immediately after a title can be a bit awkward. Backing Potapova to push this Over 18.5 total games, but Sabalenka should ultimately prevail.

Just one previous meetings between the pair, with Sabalenka dominating Potapova 6-1 6-2 in Stuttgart in 2023.

It's been another strong season for Sabalenka, who remains the clear World No. 1 after putting together a 31-5 record so far in 2025.

Sabalenka has made at least the final in six of her last eight tournaments, including the Australian Open and Indian Wells, while she has captured titles in Miami and Madrid.

The 27-year-old was also a finalist in Stuttgart to launch the clay season, going down to Jelena Ostapenko.

After defeating the likes of Elina Svitolina and Coco Gauff in straight sets to close out her Madrid title run, Sabalenka will be looking for a successful transition to Rome, where she is defending runner-up points from last year.

Potapova comes into this contest with a solid 17-7 record for the season and now gets a free hit at the World No. 1.

Among the Russian's highlights so far in 2025 include winning a third WTA title in Cluj, along with advancing to the fourth round of Madrid in her last tournament.

Potapova registered a couple of good wins in the Spanish capital, taking out Qinwen Zheng and Sofia Kenin before going down to Marta Kostyuk.

The 24-year-old was on the brink of elimination in her Rome opener against Dayana Yastremska, trailing by a set and 0-3 before saving a match point and claiming a 2-6 7-6 6-3 in two hours and 39 minutes. Potapova will now be aiming to win two matches in a row in Rome for the first time.