Peyton Stearns didn’t let a surprise flyover from the Frecce Tricolori distract her as she achieved her second consecutive victory in a tiebreak set against a Grand Slam champion. She triumphed over Naomi Osaka, securing her spot in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. This remarkable performance underscores her rising status in the tennis world.
Andreescu and Sabalenka Shine in Rome
In a fantastic performance, Bianca Andreescu marked a significant win at the same tournament by overcoming the 11th seed, Elena Rybakina, with a score of 6-2, 6-4, advancing to the Round of 16. Aryna Sabalenka also showed her resilience by bouncing back from losing the first set to defeat Sofia Kenin. The match lasted over two hours, allowing Sabalenka to progress and avoiding an upset that had already eliminated three Top 5 seeds from the competition in Rome.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka, a former World No. 1, is enjoying a great run on clay, having won eight matches in a row. She has successfully made it to the Round of 16 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the second consecutive year. Osaka’s consistent performance indicates her strong adaptation to the clay court season and her determination to reclaim her status among the elite.
Jasmine Paolini thrilled the home crowd in Rome by advancing to the last 16 for the first time, defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets. This was particularly uplifting after Iga Swiatek’s surprising early exit from the tournament earlier in the day, providing a much-needed boost for the local fans.
Peyton Stearns continued her impressive form from Madrid by defeating No. 5 seed Madison Keys in Rome, marking her second straight appearance in the WTA 1000 Round of 16. This success comes after teaming up with a new coach just last month, indicating that her hard work and commitment are paying off in a big way.
Coco Gauff faced a tough challenge in her opening match at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where she had to battle against the rapidly rising Canadian teen, Victoria Mboko, to secure her place in the next round. This matchup highlights the increasing competitiveness of the women’s game and the emergence of new talent ready to make their mark.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and potential upsets, showcasing the depth of talent in women’s tennis today.