Sabalenka Powers Through to Third Round in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka kicks off her Italian Open campaign with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Anastasia Potapova. She'll face Sofia Kenin next.

Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, has kicked off her Italian Open campaign with a convincing win, defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2 in just over an hour. This victory propels Sabalenka into the third round of the tournament held at the Foro Italico.

Madrid ✈️ Rome@SabalenkaA cruises into the third round with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Potapova! #IBI25 pic.twitter.com/sgU52LfsdY

— wta (@WTA) May 9, 2025

Sabalenka's impressive form continues a strong run, with the 27-year-old having reached the final of her last four tournaments, including 1000 series wins in both Miami and Madrid. She'll likely face tough competition in the next rounds, but her recent performance suggests she's a force to be reckoned with.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face 31st-seeded Sofia Kenin in the third round of the 2025 Italian Open. Kenin recently beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0, to set up her match against Sabalenka. Their head-to-head record stands at 3-1 in favor of Sabalenka, although Kenin won their only previous clay court meeting at the 2023 Italian Open. This upcoming match will be played on outdoor clay at the Foro Italico in Rome on May 10, 2025.

Aryna Sabalenka, 27, is riding a strong wave of form, having reached the final of her last four tournaments, including 1000 series wins in Miami and Madrid.

"She's mean" 😭@SabalenkaA | #IBI25 pic.twitter.com/gnJujmdWhs

— wta (@WTA) May 9, 2025

In the men's draw, third seed Carlos Alcaraz begins his campaign for a first Rome title, facing Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic on centre court. Meanwhile, last year's winner Alexander Zverev takes on Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli.