Iga Swiatek, the current top-ranked player, extended her winning streak to nine matches after defeating Angelique Kerber in the Italian Open to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The two-time Rome champion is now on course for an uncommon Madrid-Rome double as she prepares to face Madison Keys in the next round.
Madison Keys secured her spot in the quarterfinals after a dominant performance against Sorana Cirstea. The match was briefly interrupted by an environmental protest, with protesters throwing confetti onto the court and gluing themselves to the stands. Despite the disruption, Keys maintained her focus and closed out the match with a 6-2, 6-1 victory.
Another American player, Coco Gauff, showcased her resilience in a hard-fought match against Paula Badosa, ultimately emerging victorious with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 win. With both Keys and Gauff advancing to the quarterfinals, American tennis is well-represented in the Italian Open.
On the men’s side, there were significant upsets as both of the Madrid finalists failed to advance past the third round. Andrey Rublev, last week’s winner, was defeated by French qualifier Alexandre Muller in a surprising turn of events. Additionally, Madrid runner-up Felix Auger-Aliassime suffered a loss to ninth-seeded Alex De Minaur, highlighting the unpredictability of the tournament.
Defending Champion Medvedev in Action
Defending champion Daniil Medvedev, seeded second in the tournament, is set to face Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic in a later match. As one of the top contenders in the competition, Medvedev will look to maintain his form and advance further in the Italian Open.
The Italian Open has seen several exciting matches and unexpected outcomes, setting the stage for thrilling quarterfinal matchups. With top players like Swiatek, Keys, and Gauff showcasing their talents, the competition promises to deliver more intense tennis action in the coming days. Stay tuned for more updates from the Italian Open as the tournament progresses.