Marta Kostyuk vs. Alexandra Eala: Rome Match Preview
In one sense, this late match in the Grandstand is what it appears to be: A battle between a relative tour veteran, in Kostyuk, and a wide-eyed rookie, in Eala. But when it comes to ages of these two women, “veteran” and “rookie” can be deceiving. At 22, Kostyuk, a prodigy who made her debut when she was 14, is just three years older than the 19-year-old Eala.
What’s more important is that both of these women have been fulfilling their youthful potential of late: Kostyuk gradually, Eala meteorically. The Ukrainian has made herself a Top 30 fixture over the past two years, while the Filipino—via the Rafa Nadal Academy—leapt from obscurity all the way to the Miami Open semifinals, and a win over Iga Swiatek, in March.
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This will be the first meeting between the two. Kostyuk is coming off a strong performance in Madrid, where she reached the quarters and pushed Aryna Sabalenka to two tiebreakers. That might make you believe she’s the stronger clay-court player, but Eala took a set from Swiatek in Madrid, and has presumably spent a fair amount of time on dirt at her Mallorca training ground.
Eala obviously has a high ceiling, maybe higher than Kostyuk’s, and her left-handed, down-the-line forehand may be the biggest point-opening weapon on the court. But I’ll go with the veteran, and trust in the power of her desire not to lose to a teenager. Winner: Kostyuk
Where to Watch
🖥️📱 Click here for live coverage on TennisChannel.com
Estimated start time — 11:30 a.m. ET, Wednesday, May 7
👉 Click here for the complete Rome bracket.
