Rome, the last battleground before Roland Garros: the WTA 1000 preview

The famous WTA 1000 in Rome opened its doors on Tuesday. As is the case every year, the world's best female tennis players stopped off in Italy, the last stopover before the French Open.
With the first strikes already in the air, tension is running high. Will Rybakina, surprise champion in 2023, be able to retain her Roman crown? Will Swiatek and Sabalenka meet in the final? Will Paolini live up to the expectations of the Italian public?
Here's a look at the tournament's main contenders.

- Swiatek and Sabalenka, we want more

After the marvellous final played by the two champions in Madrid on Saturday (7-5, 4-6, 7-6 victory for the Pole), we can only hope for a second Roman set. Eternal rivals, the two players don't leave each other much anymore and are inevitably the two main contenders for the title in Italy. Well established at the top of the world rankings, they are the big bosses on the WTA circuit. While Aryna Sabalenka has been Iga Swiatek's main pursuer since February 2023 (with the exception of 8 weeks at the end of 2023, when she passed the Pole), Swiatek has now spent over 100 weeks at the top of the world rankings. This tournament is also an excellent opportunity for Sabalenka to make up some ground, as the Belarusian was beaten from the start last year.

- Rybakina, the defending champion with a vengeance

Along with Sabalenka and Swiatek, Elena Rybakina forms the Big 3 of women's tennis. After a long period of instability, women's tennis in 2024 will be more consistent. Against this backdrop, the Kazakh is as irresistible as ever (30 wins in 35 matches). The world number 4 arrives in Rome with great confidence. Having already won three titles this year (Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, Stuttgart), she is determined to retain her crown in Italy. Buoyed by her top-quality tennis, Rybakina wants to dream higher. Always higher.

- Collins, the last dance continues

Danielle Collins' history with tennis has come to a memorable end. Although she announced her retirement at the end of the year, the world number 15 is back playing top-class tennis. After back-to-back titles in Miami and Charleston, the American didn't disappoint in Madrid, pushing Sabalenka to the limit before succumbing (4-6, 6-4, 6-3). An impressive performer, Collins could well complicate the plans of several players.

- Paolini, the hope of a whole nation

Jasmine Paolini is enjoying a top-class 2024 season. Ranked 29th in the world in January, she is now 12th. Eighth runner-up in Melbourne, she shone at the WTA 1000 Dubai, where she won brilliantly. The 28-year-old will be eagerly awaited as the WTA circuit comes to a halt on her home soil. For the record, no Italian has won in Rome since 1985 (Raffaella Reggi). Will she be up to the challenge?

- Sakkari and Vondrousova, the mistakes must stop

Maria Sakkari, ranked 8th in the world, is struggling to regain her form. After a worrying start to the season (2 wins in 6 matches), the Greek was back on the winning track. Displaying a much improved level of tennis, she racked up 11 wins in 14 matches (finalist at Indian Wells in particular). However, Madrid came and went, and her elimination in the Round of 16 (against Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-4) is a stain on the record.
For Marketa Vondrousova, the situation is more alarming. Until Stuttgart, the Czech hadn't done better than a quarter-final appearance in Dubai. A glimmer of hope in Germany was short-lived, as she was knocked out in the third round in Madrid (by Mirra Andreeva).

Both must now pull themselves together.

- Jabeur, confirming the revival

It's no secret that Ons Jabeur wasn't at his best. Her tennis was falling apart from match to match. After a catastrophic start to the season (3 wins in 10 matches), the Tunisian was plunged into doubt and finding it hard to get her head above water. Now, however, she's breathing a little easier. Quarter-finalist in Madrid, the world number 9 has reassured herself. Despite yet another breakdown at the worst possible moment (she was leading 6-0, 2-0 against Keys before losing), she has finally found her way back to victory. In Rome, it's now a question of confirming the improvement.

- From Badosa to Boulter, outsiders with surprising profiles

Other, less-anticipated players could also make their presence felt at the Foro Italico. The presence of Naomi Osaka, who continues her quest to return to the top of the game, is of course particularly noteworthy. Emma Raducanu, 21 years old and winner of the 2021 US Open, is also present and will be keen to make up for her setback in Madrid.
Paula Badosa, hampered by major physical problems, is not giving up hope.