With the Madrid Open concluded, the tennis world now shifts its focus to the Foro Italico for the Italian Open, the final major tournament before Roland Garros. As the clay court season intensifies, several prominent tennis journalists have shared their predictions for both men's and women's singles competitions.
In the men's singles draw, newly crowned world No. 1 Jannik Sinner emerges as a favorite on home soil. The Italian star is set to make his competitive return following a three-month absence, with Kevin Palmer believing the home crowd support could propel him to victory. However, Carlos Alcaraz remains a formidable contender if fully fit, with three analysts—Oli Dickson Jefford, Shahida Jacobs, and Ewan West—all highlighting the Spaniard's clay court prowess. A potential Sinner-Alcaraz final would undoubtedly captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
On the women's side, recent Madrid champion Aryna Sabalenka enters as a strong candidate following her impressive form. Palmer identifies her as the player to beat, while also suggesting Madison Keys could make a notable run after reaching the Madrid quarter-finals. According to Statbet analysts, Sabalenka has demonstrated remarkable consistency since March, competing in 21 matches and reaching four finals.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek, despite recent form concerns, maintains a formidable record in Rome, having not lost a completed match at the tournament since 2020. Ewan West believes the Polish star could rediscover her dominance on the slow Rome clay, potentially ending her nearly year-long title drought.
Among the tennis writers participating in their prediction contest, Oli Dickson Jefford currently leads with 93 points, followed by Ewan West with 82. All four correctly backed Sabalenka to triumph in Madrid, earning them five points each in their ongoing fantasy prediction league.
As the tournament unfolds, tennis fans will discover whether home favorite Sinner can deliver a triumphant comeback, if Alcaraz will assert his clay court excellence, or if Sabalenka can maintain her momentum against defending champion Swiatek in what promises to be an exhilarating week of tennis action in the Eternal City.
