Former world number one Naomi Osaka showcased her dominance at the Italian Open by defeating home player Sara Errani in a decisive first-round match, with a score of 6-2, 6-3. Despite Errani’s extensive experience as a former finalist in Rome, currently ranked 177th in the WTA, she struggled to match Osaka’s powerful gameplay.
Errani initially took the lead in the second set by breaking Osaka’s serve at 3-1, but the Japanese star quickly rallied, winning five consecutive games to secure her advancement. Osaka’s victory sets up an exciting match in the second round against ninth-seeded Paula Badosa, who received a bye in the first round.
In other results, Viktoria Azarenka advanced by defeating Colombia’s Camila Osorio with a score of 6-2, 6-3, and will face Poland’s 26th seed Magdalena Frech next. Additionally, Kamilla Rakhimova, who entered as a lucky loser, won against China’s Xinyu Wang, while Maria Sakkari moved on after Belinda Bencic retired due to injury.
On the Canadian front, both Bianca Andreescu and Victoria Mboko enjoyed successful outings, with Andreescu defeating Federica Urgesi and Mboko overcoming Arianna Zucchini. Andreescu will meet 20th seed Donna Vekic in the next round, while Mboko’s next challenge comes against fourth seed Coco Gauff.
In the men’s division, Cameron Norrie, who entered as a lucky loser, defeated Australia’s Christopher O’Connell 6-3, 6-2, paving the way for a second round match against No. 10 seed Daniil Medvedev.
This year’s tournament at the Foro Italico continues to promise thrilling matchups as top players advance and prepare for tougher challenges ahead. Fans can look forward to the potential of more exciting matches as the competition heats up.