2021 Italian Open Final – Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova on and what time does it start? Sunday 16th May, 2021 – Not before 13:30 (UK)
What surface is Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Iga Swiatek vs Karolina Pliskova in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
IGA SWIATEK
- 19-year-old Iga Swiatek was able to draw on her second-to-none fighting spirit to win two matches in a day at the Italian Open, beating Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals and then Coco Gauff in a semi-final less than four hours later.
- World number 15 Swiatek looks set for an even higher seeding later this month at Roland-Garros as she attempts to defend her Grand Slam title at the French Open.
KAROLINA PLISKOVA
- 29-year-old Karolina Pliskova has required nerves of steel to get through her last matches, saving three matches against Jelena Ostapenko and a spirited fight back by Petra Martic in the semi-finals.
- The world number nine is through to her third-consecutive Italian Open after winning the title in 2019 and she will be hoping to right the wrongs of an injury last September that forced her to withdraw from her second final.
THE PREDICTION
First meetings between two incredible players is always an exciting occasion but especially in a final where both have so much potential. Karolina Pliskova is a former champion here and could well have been a double champion if she had been able to play last year’s delayed September edition, whilst Iga Swiatek’s talent on clay continues to shine. 19-year-old Swiatek announced herself to the world by winning Roland-Garros last year without dropping a set and the Pole is certainly the fiercer competitor of the two. The world number 15 will feed off the crowd and can pounce if and when Pliskova’s world-class serve falters, which it can often do when the Czech is in control of her matches, but Swiatek is also the likelier to become frustrated if Pliskova finds her rhythm. Both players are incredible at various, different aspects of the game but this will come down to emotion and the two contrast wonderfully. Pliskova is calm and control personified, though susceptible to a crisis in confidence, whilst Swiatek is pure power, sometimes erratic, and should play her best when pushed into a corner.
As for a result, this looks almost impossible to side with. Pliskova has the pedigree and loves this court in Rome but Swiatek is a powerful new opponent for the Czech to work out. Take this match to see three sets before a winner is found, or for Swiatek to win at least a set as the just-about likeliest player to win here.
