The women's draw in Rome shapes up as one of the strongest of the season. Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed with a 26-2 record in 2026, arrives as a formidable force on the Foro Italico clay. The Belarusian, a finalist here in 2024, has never lifted the trophy in Rome.
Her potential path is loaded with challenges. Sabalenka opens against the winner of Barbora Krejcikova versus Elsa Jacquemot, with potential obstacles in Sorana Cirstea (round three) and Linda Noskova (round four). A projected quarterfinal against sixth seed Amanda Anisimova, making her clay debut this season, awaits.
Behind her, the competition is fierce. Elena Rybakina, seeded second and leading the WTA Finals race, targets a second Rome crown after 2023. Iga Swiatek, a three-time champion here but searching for consistency this season, looks to her preferred surface for a reset.
Coco Gauff, last year's runner-up and third seed, still seeks her first 2026 title. Jessica Pegula brings a rock-solid 25-5 record with two titles this year. And then there is Marta Kostyuk, fresh off her maiden WTA 1000 triumph in Madrid and unbeaten on clay across eleven consecutive matches.
The presence of Mirra Andreeva, a Madrid finalist at just 18, adds a generational dimension to the draw. First-round highlights include Sofia Kenin versus Bianca Andreescu, two former Grand Slam champions seeking revival.
Rome serves as the ultimate dress rehearsal before Roland-Garros. With a field this deep, the title will carry significant weight in the clay court hierarchy.
