Trending 
Iga Swiatek made a commanding start to her Italian Open campaign on Thursday, overpowering Elisabetta Cocciaretto in just 52 minutes. The world number two bounced back emphatically from her recent Madrid Open semi-final loss to Coco Gauff, conceding just one game in a dominant 6-1, 6-0 second-round victory over the Italian.
Swiatek, 23, now advances to face American Danielle Collins in the third round. Reflecting on her performance, the Polish star said, “It felt like the ball was listening to me today. I had full control, and it’s always comfortable to play matches like this.” She also cautioned against expecting such wins to become routine, emphasising the importance of consistent work.
A three-time champion in Rome, Swiatek is aiming to gain momentum on clay ahead of defending her French Open crown, though she is yet to claim a title this season.
In other women’s matches, former world number one Naomi Osaka recovered from a shaky start to defeat lucky loser Viktorija Golubic 2-6, 7-5, 6-1. Italy’s sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, buoyed by local support, beat Lulu Sun 6-4, 6-3 and will next face Ons Jabeur, who advanced without playing due to Petra Kvitova’s withdrawal.
American Jessica Pegula, seeded third, eased past compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-4, 6-2, and will meet Belgium’s Elise Mertens in round three. Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion, also progressed with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win over France’s Varvara Gracheva.
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, a semi-finalist in Madrid, opened her Rome campaign with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) win against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
In the men’s draw, world number one Jannik Sinner is set to return from a three-month doping ban on Saturday, where he will face Mariano Navone, who beat Federico Cina in straight sets. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan defeated promising 18-year-old Joao Fonseca, who has yet to find his rhythm on European clay following his Buenos Aires breakthrough in February.
Italy’s Fabio Fognini concluded his final appearance at the Rome Masters with a 6-2, 6-3 defeat to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.
