In a highly anticipated matchup, Leylah Annie Fernandez is set to take on Antonia Ruzic in the second round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6:30 PM local time on Court 1. This encounter marks the first time these two talented players will face each other on the main tour, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
Fernandez, currently ranked No. 26 in the world, comes into this tournament with a mixed record of 11 wins and 10 losses in 2025, including a 1-2 record on clay. Her last outing was a disappointing defeat against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, where she lost 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the second round at the Vic Open on April 30. Despite this setback, Fernandez has shown resilience throughout her career, boasting an overall record of 209 wins to 138 losses, and a solid 47-40 record on clay surfaces.
In contrast, Antonia Ruzic, who is ranked No. 117, has been enjoying a successful year with a commendable 21-11 win-loss record, including a robust 4-2 on clay. Ruzic's journey to the second round has been impressive; she defeated Yue Yuan 6-3, 6-4, Jule Niemeier 6-3, 6-3, and recovered from a set down to beat Tyra Caterina Grant 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. In her match against Grant, Ruzic showcased her aggressive style, hitting 42 winners and winning 110 points compared to Grant’s 108.
Ruzic's serving statistics were also notable in her first-round match, where she scored just one ace and committed only one double fault. She managed to put 72% of her first serves in, winning 55% of the points behind her first serve and 48% on her second serve. Additionally, Ruzic broke Grant’s serve seven times, converting 44% of her break points (7 out of 16), demonstrating her ability to capitalize on crucial moments.
As the two players prepare to meet, predictions are leaning towards Fernandez, with betting odds reflecting her status as the favorite. The odds for Fernandez to win are set at 1.6, while Ruzic's odds stand at 2.34. According to Dimers' advanced tennis model, Fernandez has a 69% chance of winning the match, with a 65% probability of taking the first set. This statistical analysis has been bolstered by simulations run 10,000 times, indicating a strong likelihood of Fernandez advancing to the next round.
"Employing the latest data, we simulated Friday's Fernandez-Ruzic match 10,000 times," said Dimers data analyst Greg Butyn. "After computing the latest updates and thousands of other inputs, we predict Leylah Fernandez's chance of winning is 69%, while Antonia Ruzic's is 31%." This prediction aligns with the sentiment among fans and analysts who have been closely following both players' performances this season.
Fernandez's best result at the Italian Open came in 2022 when she reached the second round, and she will be looking to improve on that this year. Meanwhile, Ruzic is making her debut in this prestigious tournament, and her recent form suggests she could be a formidable opponent.
The excitement surrounding this matchup is palpable, as both players bring unique styles and strengths to the court. Fernandez is known for her powerful groundstrokes and competitive spirit, while Ruzic has demonstrated her ability to fight back from difficult situations, as seen in her match against Grant.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this clash unfolds. Will Fernandez live up to her status as the favorite, or can Ruzic pull off an upset in her first encounter against the Canadian star? The atmosphere is sure to be electric as both players vie for a spot in the next round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
With the match set to start at 6:30 PM local time, all eyes will be on Court 1 as Leylah Annie Fernandez and Antonia Ruzic battle it out in what promises to be an exciting contest. Tennis enthusiasts can catch all the action live, as this matchup is expected to be a highlight of the day at the WTA Italian Open.
