Rome Previews: Elena Rybakina tries to hold off surging Alexandra Eala

Elena Rybakina vs. Alexandra Eala

After her early-season successes, Rybakina has grand ambitions—to win her first Roland Garros and take over No. 1. But her roll was slowed in Madrid, where she was surprised by Anastasia Potapova. Will that crimp her confidence long term? If so, Eala has the penetrating pace to force her to do what she doesn’t like: defend.

Still, Rybakina is ranked 40 spots higher, has a title in Rome, and is 28-6 this season. Both of these women attack early and often, with don’t worry much about margin. But even if Eala is on, Rybakina’s far better serve should save her. Winner: Rybakina

👉 Estimated start time: 8:10 a.m.

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Alexander Zverev vs. Alexander Blockx

The Alexanders—one German, one Belgian; one a veteran, one a rookie; both tall—met for the first time last week in Madrid. The older Alexander won 6-2, 7-5. “I think I had it under control from the start,” Zverev said, after using his rangy consistency to blunt Blockx’s potent attack. Once the 21-year-old’s early nerves subsided, though, he got his teeth into the rallies, and was close to pushing it to a third.

On the plus side for Blockx this time: He shouldn’t be as nervous. On the minus side: Zverev is a two-time Rome champ, and he has his clay groove back. Winner: Zverev

👉 Estimated start time: 8:10 a.m.

▶️ STREAM live on the Tennis Channel app 🔗

Rafael Jodar vs. Matteo Arnaldi

The bleachers should be packed and the crowd loud for this power-baseline duel between a rising star and a hometown favorite. Jodar, 19, has torn up the tour since March, and he looked sharp again in his Rome opener. Arnaldi, 25, was also highly touted as a teen, before being slowed by injury. He’s ranked just 106 now, but he’s healthy, he just won a Challenger on clay, and he upset Alex de Minaur on Friday. Arnaldi has been waiting for a match like this, and he’ll be buoyed by the support. We’ll see if it’s enough to overcome Jodar’s superior weaponry. Winner: Jodar

👉 Estimated start time: 8:10 a.m.

▶️ STREAM live on the Tennis Channel app 🔗