World number one Iga Swiatek stretched her winning streak to 25 matches by beating Victoria Azarenka 6-4 6-1 in the last 16 of the Italian Open in Rome on Thursday. Poland`s Swiatek, who has put together the longest winning run since Serena Williams racked up 27 victories in 2015, will face 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu in the quarter-finals of the claycourt event on Friday.

Swiatek was 0-3 down in the opening set as she found herself under pressure from Azarenka`s return game, but the 20-year-old bounced back by taking the next five games. With Swiatek serving for the set at 5-3, former world number one Azarenka saved four set points and broke to get back on serve. Swiatek eventually broke Azarenka on her fifth set point to finally seal the set.

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The 2020 French Open champion dominated the second set, breaking Azarenka four more times to wrap up the match in just under two hours. Swiatek is seeking her fifth title this season, having won in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Stuttgart.

Andreescu reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in 14 months by defeating qualifier Petra Martic 6-4 6-4. 
The 21-year-old Canadian, who returned to action in Stuttgart last month following a six-month mental health hiatus, is making her debut in Rome. Third seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-4 to reach the Rome last eight for the first time, while Jil Teichmann beat Elena Rybakina 6-7(3) 6-3 7-5 in a match that lasted more than three hours.

World number one Iga Swiatek stretched her winning streak to 25 matches by beating Victoria Azarenka 6-4 6-1 in the last 16 of the Italian Open in Rome on Thursday.

World number one Iga Swiatek stretched her winning streak to 25 matches by beating Victoria Azarenka 6-4 6-1 in the last 16 of the Italian Open in Rome on Thursday. Poland`s Swiatek, who has put together the longest winning run since Serena Williams racked up 27 victories in 2015, will face 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu in the quarter-finals of the claycourt event on Friday. Swiatek was 0-3 down in the opening set as she found herself under pressure from Azarenka`s return game, but the 20-year-old bounced back by taking the next five games. With Swiatek serving for the set at 5-3, former world number one Azarenka saved four set points and broke to get back on serve. Swiatek eventually broke Azarenka on her fifth set point to finally seal the set. ALSO READ | Beating Nadal, Djokovic to winning Madrid Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the new teen star on the block! The 2020 French Open champion dominated the second set, breaking Azarenka four more times to wrap up the match in just under two hours. Swiatek is seeking her fifth title this season, having won in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Stuttgart. Andreescu reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in 14 months by defeating qualifier Petra Martic 6-4 6-4. The 21-year-old Canadian, who returned to action in Stuttgart last month following a six-month mental health hiatus, is making her debut in Rome. Third seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-4 to reach the Rome last eight for the first time, while Jil Teichmann beat Elena Rybakina 6-7(3) 6-3 7-5 in a match that lasted more than three hours.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek wins 25th straight match to reach Rome quarter-finals

Defending champion Rafa Nadal began his Italian Open campaign with an emphatic 6-3 6-1 victory over big-serving American John Isner to move into the last-16 on Wednesday while Stefanos Tsitsipas saved two match points to advance.

Nadal, who returned from a rib injury this month and fell at the quarter-final hurdle in Madrid last week, dominated Isner who struggled to find answers once the Spaniard, seeking his 11th title at Rome`s Foro Italico, hit his stride.

Isner leads the ATP Tour with over 450 aces in 2022 but Nadal negated the American`s booming serve by receiving from well behind the baseline -- even on his second serve -- breaking four times and restricting him to just one ace in the match.

The match went with serve in the opening set and Isner squandered two break points at 3-3, before Nadal stepped up his game and broke in the next game after a lapse in concentration from the towering American. 
"The beginning of the match was not good for me and even he had some chances on the return to break. I was in his hands at that moment," Nadal said in a post-match interview.

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"Lucky that he missed those couple of shots. Then I was able to break and then the match changed." 
The second set was no contest as Nadal broke in the opening game to set the tone and he did not look back as Isner ran out of gas. Nadal will play Denis Shapovalov in the next round, against whom he saved two match points in the third round last year en route to his 10th title.

"Last year was a joke, that match I saved here against him. I know how dangerous he is," Nadal added. 
"I need to play well, of course, I need to play better than today. But it`s another victory and now tomorrow again a chance to play against one of the best players of the world." Tsitsipas scraped past Grigor Dimitrov with a 6-3 5-7 7-6(4) win but he was made to toil after the Bulgarian suddenly found his groove in the second set.

Dimitrov broke to love when Tsitsipas was serving for the match and won four straight games to take it to a third set. Dimitrov earned match points at 5-4 and 6-5 in the decider but the Greek fourth seed saved both and forced a tiebreak, where he raced to a 5-0 lead before sealing his progress.

"Incredible fight, I`m extremely happy I was able to overcome this obstacle," Tsitsipas said. "Grigor played really well, gave me a hard time on the court. "The fact that I was able to process all of that and come back stronger in the third set tiebreak, it was such a great way to redeem myself." Second seed Alexander Zverev, who lost in the final in Madrid at the weekend, also advanced to the last-16 after he dispatched Argentine Sebastian Baez 7-6(6) 6-3.

Defending champion Rafa Nadal began his Italian Open campaign with an emphatic 6-3 6-1 victory over big-serving American John Isner to move into the last-16 on Wednesday while Stefanos Tsitsipas saved two match points to advance.

Defending champion Rafa Nadal began his Italian Open campaign with an emphatic 6-3 6-1 victory over big-serving American John Isner to move into the last-16 on Wednesday while Stefanos Tsitsipas saved two match points to advance. Nadal, who returned from a rib injury this month and fell at the quarter-final hurdle in Madrid last week, dominated Isner who struggled to find answers once the Spaniard, seeking his 11th title at Rome`s Foro Italico, hit his stride. Isner leads the ATP Tour with over 450 aces in 2022 but Nadal negated the American`s booming serve by receiving from well behind the baseline -- even on his second serve -- breaking four times and restricting him to just one ace in the match. The match went with serve in the opening set and Isner squandered two break points at 3-3, before Nadal stepped up his game and broke in the next game after a lapse in concentration from the towering American. "The beginning of the match was not good for me and even he had some chances on the return to break. I was in his hands at that moment," Nadal said in a post-match interview. ALSO READ | Italian Open: Novak Djokovic thumps Aslan Karatsev in opener; Felix, Shapovalov also advance ahead "Lucky that he missed those couple of shots. Then I was able to break and then the match changed." The second set was no contest as Nadal broke in the opening game to set the tone and he did not look back as Isner ran out of gas. Nadal will play Denis Shapovalov in the next round, against whom he saved two match points in the third round last year en route to his 10th title. "Last year was a joke, that match I saved here against him. I know how dangerous he is," Nadal added. "I need to play well, of course, I need to play better than today. But it`s another victory and now tomorrow again a chance to play against one of the best players of the world." Tsitsipas scraped past Grigor Dimitrov with a 6-3 5-7 7-6(4) win but he was made to toil after the Bulgarian suddenly found his groove in the second set. Dimitrov broke to love when Tsitsipas was serving for the match and won four straight games to take it to a third set. Dimitrov earned match points at 5-4 and 6-5 in the decider but the Greek fourth seed saved both and forced a tiebreak, where he raced to a 5-0 lead before sealing his progress. "Incredible fight, I`m extremely happy I was able to overcome this obstacle," Tsitsipas said. "Grigor played really well, gave me a hard time on the court. "The fact that I was able to process all of that and come back stronger in the third set tiebreak, it was such a great way to redeem myself." Second seed Alexander Zverev, who lost in the final in Madrid at the weekend, also advanced to the last-16 after he dispatched Argentine Sebastian Baez 7-6(6) 6-3.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal negates John Isner's power to advance in Rome, Stefanos Tsitsipas survives

Novak Djokovic`s bid to retain his World No. 1 status enjoyed a solid start on Tuesday at the Italian Open 2022 in Rome. The five-time champion brushed past Aslan Karatsev, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 event. The top seed must reach the semi-finals to prevent Daniil Medvedev from taking his spot at the top of the ATP Rankings on Monday, and the Serbian`s all-round performance against Karatsev represented an impressive start to that mission.

Djokovic`s return game was at its relentless best as he broke the World No. 35`s serve four times on his way to a comfortable win on centre court. Later, Felix Auger-Aliassime had his back against it literally and figuratively, but the Canadian star found a way to win. The eighth seed rallied past in-form Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 after three hours and two minutes to reach the third round in Rome. Another Canadian, 13th seed Denis Shapovalov, defeated Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 7-6(5).

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The lefty will challenge third seed Rafael Nadal or big-serving American John Isner for a place in the quarter-finals. Shapovalov only faced one break point against 2021 Indian Wells finalist Basilashvili and he saved it. The 23-year-old won 85 per cent of his first-serve points in his one-hour, 40-minute victory.

Novak Djokovic`s bid to retain his World No. 1 status enjoyed a solid start on Tuesday at the Italian Open 2022 in Rome. The five-time champion brushed past Aslan Karatsev, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Novak Djokovic`s bid to retain his World No. 1 status enjoyed a solid start on Tuesday at the Italian Open 2022 in Rome. The five-time champion brushed past Aslan Karatsev, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 event. The top seed must reach the semi-finals to prevent Daniil Medvedev from taking his spot at the top of the ATP Rankings on Monday, and the Serbian`s all-round performance against Karatsev represented an impressive start to that mission. Djokovic`s return game was at its relentless best as he broke the World No. 35`s serve four times on his way to a comfortable win on centre court. Later, Felix Auger-Aliassime had his back against it literally and figuratively, but the Canadian star found a way to win. The eighth seed rallied past in-form Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 after three hours and two minutes to reach the third round in Rome. Another Canadian, 13th seed Denis Shapovalov, defeated Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 7-6(5). ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal says his body is like an 'old machine' takes time to fire up The lefty will challenge third seed Rafael Nadal or big-serving American John Isner for a place in the quarter-finals. Shapovalov only faced one break point against 2021 Indian Wells finalist Basilashvili and he saved it. The 23-year-old won 85 per cent of his first-serve points in his one-hour, 40-minute victory.

Italian Open: Novak Djokovic thumps Aslan Karatsev in opener; Felix, Shapovalov also advance ahead

Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka earned his first tour-level win since February 2021 on Monday. The Swiss star rallied past American Reilly Opelka 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 to reach the second round at the Italian Open 2022. Wawrinka was competing in just his second ATP Tour match in 14 months but showcased quality and grit throughout, hammering forehands and blasting his trademark backhand with precision to advance after two hours and five minutes.

The three-time Grand Slam champion will next face Laslo Djere or Borna Coric as he looks to work his way back to full fitness after being on the sidelines since March 2021 due to a foot injury. The 16-time tour-level titlist made his ATP Tour return against Alexander Bublik in Monte Carlo in April.

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Before his victory over Opelka, Wawrinka had not earned a match win since he defeated Pedro Sousa at the 2021 Australian Open.

Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka earned his first tour-level win since February 2021 on Monday. The Swiss star rallied past American Reilly Opelka 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 to reach the second round at the Italian Open 2022.

Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka earned his first tour-level win since February 2021 on Monday. The Swiss star rallied past American Reilly Opelka 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 to reach the second round at the Italian Open 2022. Wawrinka was competing in just his second ATP Tour match in 14 months but showcased quality and grit throughout, hammering forehands and blasting his trademark backhand with precision to advance after two hours and five minutes. The three-time Grand Slam champion will next face Laslo Djere or Borna Coric as he looks to work his way back to full fitness after being on the sidelines since March 2021 due to a foot injury. The 16-time tour-level titlist made his ATP Tour return against Alexander Bublik in Monte Carlo in April. ALSO READ | Beating Nadal, Djokovic to winning Madrid Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the new teen star on the block! Before his victory over Opelka, Wawrinka had not earned a match win since he defeated Pedro Sousa at the 2021 Australian Open.

Italian Open: Former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka notches win to signal comeback, defeats Reilly Opelka

Newly-crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Sunday he has decided to skip the Rome Masters in a bid to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the French Open later this month. Alcaraz, who rolled his ankle in the quarter-finals in Madrid, overcame pain to beat three top five players -- Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev -- to win his second Masters title days after his 19th birthday.

"Due to the fall that I had, the ankle, I had a problem and this morning it was a little more swollen. Also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected and it`s been a little bit tough start to the day," Alcaraz told reporters.

"It was difficult for me to walk but after a while with my team, with the physio, with the doctor, we have managed to fix it to do something to be able to be 100% today. "I thought about it (playing in Rome). I think that given the state of my feet and my ankle, I`m really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it`s better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100%."

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Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-3 6-1 in just 62 minutes in the final and his fourth singles title of the year will move him up to sixth in the rankings. Zverev said the young Spaniard is now the "best player in the world" but Alcaraz is not getting ahead of himself.

"Djokovic is number one in the ranking. Because I have won Barcelona and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa in Madrid, I don`t consider myself the best player in the world," he said. "I also think that tomorrow I`m going to be sixth, so I still have five players in front of me to be the best one."

Newly-crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Sunday he has decided to skip the Rome Masters in a bid to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the French Open later this month.

Newly-crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Sunday he has decided to skip the Rome Masters in a bid to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the French Open later this month. Alcaraz, who rolled his ankle in the quarter-finals in Madrid, overcame pain to beat three top five players -- Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev -- to win his second Masters title days after his 19th birthday. "Due to the fall that I had, the ankle, I had a problem and this morning it was a little more swollen. Also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected and it`s been a little bit tough start to the day," Alcaraz told reporters. "It was difficult for me to walk but after a while with my team, with the physio, with the doctor, we have managed to fix it to do something to be able to be 100% today. "I thought about it (playing in Rome). I think that given the state of my feet and my ankle, I`m really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it`s better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100%." ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz beats defending champion Alexander Zverev to clinch title Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-3 6-1 in just 62 minutes in the final and his fourth singles title of the year will move him up to sixth in the rankings. Zverev said the young Spaniard is now the "best player in the world" but Alcaraz is not getting ahead of himself. "Djokovic is number one in the ranking. Because I have won Barcelona and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa in Madrid, I don`t consider myself the best player in the world," he said. "I also think that tomorrow I`m going to be sixth, so I still have five players in front of me to be the best one."

Madrid Open winner Carlos Alcaraz to miss Rome Masters due to ankle injury

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will try to maintain her undefeated record at WTA 1000 events this season at the Italian Open 2022.

The draw for Italian Open 2022 came out Friday with World No.1 Iga Swiatek headlining a field that features 19 of the top 20 players.

It will be the second consecutive WTA Tour 1000 event on the calendar, with main-draw action kicking off Monday.

Swiatek, like all of the Top 8 seeds, has an opening-round bye. In the second round, she will face the winner of an all-American match between Shelby Rogers and Alison Riske.

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Swiatek could face 2013 Rome runner-up Victoria Azarenka in the Round of 16.

The bottom portion of the first quarter is loaded with intriguing matchups.

Two US Open champions will square off in the first round, as reigning US Open titlist Emma Raducanu will face 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in their first meeting.

Whoever prevails will take on the winner of the match between Sara Sorribes Tormo and another former US Open champion, Naomi Osaka.No.3 seed Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to face Madrid finalist

Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16, if seedings hold. Pegula will face big-hitting Liudmila Samsonova in the first round.No.4 seed Maria Sakkari and No.8 seed Garbine Muguruza are the highest seeds in the third quarter.

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Muguruza could potentially play No.9 seed and Madrid finalist Ons Jabeur in the Round of 16.

No.2 seed Paula Badosa is the highest-ranked player in the last quarter of the draw.

She could meet Veronika Kudermetova in the second round. Badosa just beat Kudermetova in the first round of Madrid.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will try to maintain her undefeated record at WTA 1000 events this season at the Italian Open 2022. The draw for Italian Open 2022 came out Friday with World No.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will try to maintain her undefeated record at WTA 1000 events this season at the Italian Open 2022. The draw for Italian Open 2022 came out Friday with World No.1 Iga Swiatek headlining a field that features 19 of the top 20 players. It will be the second consecutive WTA Tour 1000 event on the calendar, with main-draw action kicking off Monday. Swiatek, like all of the Top 8 seeds, has an opening-round bye. In the second round, she will face the winner of an all-American match between Shelby Rogers and Alison Riske. Also read | IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win LSG vs KKR encounter? Swiatek could face 2013 Rome runner-up Victoria Azarenka in the Round of 16. The bottom portion of the first quarter is loaded with intriguing matchups. Two US Open champions will square off in the first round, as reigning US Open titlist Emma Raducanu will face 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in their first meeting. Whoever prevails will take on the winner of the match between Sara Sorribes Tormo and another former US Open champion, Naomi Osaka.No.3 seed Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to face Madrid finalist Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16, if seedings hold. Pegula will face big-hitting Liudmila Samsonova in the first round.No.4 seed Maria Sakkari and No.8 seed Garbine Muguruza are the highest seeds in the third quarter. Also read | Warner partied more than he practiced: Sehwag on Aussie star's debut IPL stint Muguruza could potentially play No.9 seed and Madrid finalist Ons Jabeur in the Round of 16. No.2 seed Paula Badosa is the highest-ranked player in the last quarter of the draw. She could meet Veronika Kudermetova in the second round. Badosa just beat Kudermetova in the first round of Madrid.

Italian Open 2022: Iga Swiatek top seed, Bianca Andreescu to face Emma Raducanu in Round1

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final.

Defending champion Djokovic won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in 2hr 44min against the 33rd-ranked Italian after second seed Nadal earlier swept past American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic had earlier survived a three-set battle with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-delayed quarter-finals.

The five-time Rome winner had been trailing 6-4, 2-1 when the tie was halted overnight.

But he came back to win through 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after 3hr 16min.

Djokovic and Nadal, who will be facing each other for the 57th time, last played in the 2020 French Open final which the Spaniard won.

The pair have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them while Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals in the Italian capital 3-2.

Djokovic had two match points in the 12th game of the second set of his semi-final before Sonego forced a third set to the delight of the home crowd in the Foro Italico.

The Serb saved three break points in the first game of the third set, coming back from 0-40 before powering towards his 11th Rome final

"I think I bounced back very well after the second set and 0-40, maybe if he started with a break up in the third it would be different," said Djokovic.

"I've only myself to blame for not closing the match in the second set, I could have and should have.

"First of all I need to recover. I don't have much time but hopefully I'll have fresh legs necessary to have against Rafa."

Djokovic and Nadal have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them with Djokovic leading their overall head-to-head 29-27.

Nadal is looking to equal Djokovic's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday battled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego to set up a clash with nine-time winner Rafael Nadal for the sixth time in the Italian Open final. Defending champion Djokovic won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in 2hr 44min against the 33rd-ranked Italian after second seed Nadal earlier swept past American Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic had earlier survived a three-set battle with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-delayed quarter-finals. The five-time Rome winner had been trailing 6-4, 2-1 when the tie was halted overnight. But he came back to win through 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 after 3hr 16min. Djokovic and Nadal, who will be facing each other for the 57th time, last played in the 2020 French Open final which the Spaniard won. The pair have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them while Nadal leads their head-to-head in finals in the Italian capital 3-2. Djokovic had two match points in the 12th game of the second set of his semi-final before Sonego forced a third set to the delight of the home crowd in the Foro Italico. The Serb saved three break points in the first game of the third set, coming back from 0-40 before powering towards his 11th Rome final "I think I bounced back very well after the second set and 0-40, maybe if he started with a break up in the third it would be different," said Djokovic. "I've only myself to blame for not closing the match in the second set, I could have and should have. "First of all I need to recover. I don't have much time but hopefully I'll have fresh legs necessary to have against Rafa." Djokovic and Nadal have won 14 of the last 16 Rome titles between them with Djokovic leading their overall head-to-head 29-27. Nadal is looking to equal Djokovic's record of 36 ATP Masters 1000 titles in his 12th Rome final.

Djokovic and Nadal set-up sixth Italian Open final duel and 57th career clash

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner won through 7-5, 6-4 in two-hours 10-minutes to bring his record to 16-1 in his opening matches in the Foro Italico.

His 18th-ranked Italian opponent had dug deep to try and pull off an upset, saving six set points in the first set in which he had been twice a break up.

Sinner was again a break up in the second before Nadal powered back for 4-4 seeing off the 19-year-old on his fourth match point.

"After Madrid it was important to start with a positive feeling," said Nadal, who was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid.&nbsp;

"Today was a tough match. I think I did a lot of things well. I made mistakes too but combined these with positive things too."

Nadal, 34, next plays Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 13th seed, for a place in the quarter-final.

Top seed Novak Djokovic and second seed Nadal have accounted for 14 of the past 16 titles at Foro Italico.

"It's a lesson that's tough to accept," said Sinner, who also lost to Nadal in the quarter-final Roland Garros last year.

The teenager had been hoping to benefit from the presence of the home crowd in later rounds with a 25 percent capacity allowed from Thursday.

"It's tough to accept I'm already out.

"If I'd won today there would have been a bit of a crowd tomorrow and I love to play on front of the crowd. I'm disappointed and sad."

<h2>- Medvedev clay woes continue -</h2>

Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who replaced Nadal this week as world number two, fell 6-2, 6-4 to 27th-ranked compatriot Aslan Karatsev in round two.

Medvedev also exited early in Madrid last week after pulling out of Monte Carlo after testing positive for Covid-19.

Karatsev, who won his first ATP title in Dubai in March, next plays American Reilly Opelka, ranked 47th, in the third round.

Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to battle past Hungary's Marton Fucsovics into the third round.

US Open champion Thiem, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, won 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 in 2hr 33min against 44th-ranked Fucsovics in the clay-court tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open.

Thiem, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, will next play Italian Lorenzo Sonego who beat wildcard Gianluca Mager 6-4, 6-4.

"It was tough the whole match. I was struggling with the timing a little bit," said Thiem.&nbsp;

"I was fighting a lot with myself but kept fighting from the first to the last point. That paid off today, and I'm super happy about it."

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 2017 Rome winner, eased past Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to a third round meeting with Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini.

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round.

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round. The 20-time Grand Slam winner won through 7-5, 6-4 in two-hours 10-minutes to bring his record to 16-1 in his opening matches in the Foro Italico. His 18th-ranked Italian opponent had dug deep to try and pull off an upset, saving six set points in the first set in which he had been twice a break up. Sinner was again a break up in the second before Nadal powered back for 4-4 seeing off the 19-year-old on his fourth match point. "After Madrid it was important to start with a positive feeling," said Nadal, who was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid. "Today was a tough match. I think I did a lot of things well. I made mistakes too but combined these with positive things too." Nadal, 34, next plays Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 13th seed, for a place in the quarter-final. Top seed Novak Djokovic and second seed Nadal have accounted for 14 of the past 16 titles at Foro Italico. "It's a lesson that's tough to accept," said Sinner, who also lost to Nadal in the quarter-final Roland Garros last year. The teenager had been hoping to benefit from the presence of the home crowd in later rounds with a 25 percent capacity allowed from Thursday. "It's tough to accept I'm already out. "If I'd won today there would have been a bit of a crowd tomorrow and I love to play on front of the crowd. I'm disappointed and sad." - Medvedev clay woes continue - Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who replaced Nadal this week as world number two, fell 6-2, 6-4 to 27th-ranked compatriot Aslan Karatsev in round two. Medvedev also exited early in Madrid last week after pulling out of Monte Carlo after testing positive for Covid-19. Karatsev, who won his first ATP title in Dubai in March, next plays American Reilly Opelka, ranked 47th, in the third round. Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to battle past Hungary's Marton Fucsovics into the third round. US Open champion Thiem, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, won 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 in 2hr 33min against 44th-ranked Fucsovics in the clay-court tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open. Thiem, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, will next play Italian Lorenzo Sonego who beat wildcard Gianluca Mager 6-4, 6-4. "It was tough the whole match. I was struggling with the timing a little bit," said Thiem. "I was fighting a lot with myself but kept fighting from the first to the last point. That paid off today, and I'm super happy about it." Sixth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 2017 Rome winner, eased past Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori. Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to a third round meeting with Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini.

Nadal off to winning start in 10th Italian Open title bid

World number one&nbsp;Novak Djokovic overcame a "strange" lengthy rain delay to beat&nbsp; American Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the third round of the Italian Open on Tuesday.

Title holder Djokovic waited three hours to finish off the match despite Fritz's efforts in the second set.

"It was a really strange match, to play in the rain, it was difficult," the Serb said.

"It possibly helped me because the play was slower, and he has a good serve. He played really well.

"In these circumstances, you don't know how much time it will go on for. If you have to eat, rest, or not. You have to do what feels best for you," he added.

Djokovic, 33, playing his second tournament since winning his ninth Australian Open in February, will play Cameron Norrie or Alejandro Davidovich for a place in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime beat last year's runner up Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-3 and will face either Federico Delbonis or David Goffin, who meet early on Wednesday.

Earlier, sixteenth seed Grigor Dimitrov crashed out in the first round when he was beaten in straight sets by Spanish qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The world number 48 saved two set points in the second set as he dismissed the 2014 semi-finalist Dimitrov 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to win in one hour and 43 minutes.

Tenth seed Roberto Bautista Agut booked his place in the second round with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over American Tommy Paul.

On the women's side, Argentinian Nadia Podoroska, ranked 44 in the world, assured herself of a second round meeting with Serena Williams, playing her first event since the Australian Open, when she came from a set down to beat German Laura Siegemund 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1.

Madison Keys won the battle of the Americans when she overcame Sloane Stephens 4-6, 6-2, 7-5.

World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a "strange" lengthy rain delay to beat American Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the third round of the Italian Open on Tuesday.

World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a "strange" lengthy rain delay to beat American Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the third round of the Italian Open on Tuesday. Title holder Djokovic waited three hours to finish off the match despite Fritz's efforts in the second set. "It was a really strange match, to play in the rain, it was difficult," the Serb said. "It possibly helped me because the play was slower, and he has a good serve. He played really well. "In these circumstances, you don't know how much time it will go on for. If you have to eat, rest, or not. You have to do what feels best for you," he added. Djokovic, 33, playing his second tournament since winning his ninth Australian Open in February, will play Cameron Norrie or Alejandro Davidovich for a place in the quarter-finals. Elsewhere, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime beat last year's runner up Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-3 and will face either Federico Delbonis or David Goffin, who meet early on Wednesday. Earlier, sixteenth seed Grigor Dimitrov crashed out in the first round when he was beaten in straight sets by Spanish qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The world number 48 saved two set points in the second set as he dismissed the 2014 semi-finalist Dimitrov 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to win in one hour and 43 minutes. Tenth seed Roberto Bautista Agut booked his place in the second round with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over American Tommy Paul. On the women's side, Argentinian Nadia Podoroska, ranked 44 in the world, assured herself of a second round meeting with Serena Williams, playing her first event since the Australian Open, when she came from a set down to beat German Laura Siegemund 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1. Madison Keys won the battle of the Americans when she overcame Sloane Stephens 4-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Djokovic overcomes 'strange' three-hour rain break to advance in Rome

World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a sluggish start to lift his fifth Italian Open title on Monday, defeating Argentine Diego Schwartzman 7-5 6-3 for a record 36th ATP Masters crown.

Playing in his maiden ATP 1000 final, eighth seed Schwartzman raced out of the blocks to convert two break point opportunities for a 3-0 lead as Djokovic`s usually clinical backhand offered up some errors.

An on-and-off drizzle at Foro Italico, which included a smattering of fans, added to Djokovic`s frustration but he still found a way past Schwartzman`s serve to draw level at 3-3.

Djokovic`s relentless baseline hitting came to the fore when he broke Schwartzman in the 12th game to take the opening set, despite committing 18 unforced errors.

Schwartzman, who outplayed defending champion Rafa Nadal in the quarter-finals, snatched another early break in the second set but Djokovic was quick to respond.

The top seed stepped up the intensity to break Schwartzman`s serve twice before serving out the match comfortably to seal victory -- clinching it with a drop shot.

"It was a great week, a very challenging week," Djokovic, who was playing his first event since being defaulted at the U.S. Open for inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball, said on court. "I found my best tennis when I needed it most." 
"I`m proud that I managed to find the fifth gear when I needed it."

Djokovic`s win moves him clear on the list of Masters 1000 titles, one ahead of rival Nadal, and sets him up perfectly for an assault on next week`s rescheduled French Open.

"Now we turn to Paris and I couldn`t ask for a better tournament here in Rome," the 33-year-old Djokovic, the oldest male winner of the Italian Open title, said.

Heading into Roland Garros, Djokovic has won 31 of his 32 matches this season, and will be among the favourites alongside 12-times winner Nadal and U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem.

World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a sluggish start to lift his fifth Italian Open title on Monday, defeating Argentine Diego Schwartzman 7-5 6-3 for a record 36th ATP Masters crown.

World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a sluggish start to lift his fifth Italian Open title on Monday, defeating Argentine Diego Schwartzman 7-5 6-3 for a record 36th ATP Masters crown. Playing in his maiden ATP 1000 final, eighth seed Schwartzman raced out of the blocks to convert two break point opportunities for a 3-0 lead as Djokovic`s usually clinical backhand offered up some errors. An on-and-off drizzle at Foro Italico, which included a smattering of fans, added to Djokovic`s frustration but he still found a way past Schwartzman`s serve to draw level at 3-3. Djokovic`s relentless baseline hitting came to the fore when he broke Schwartzman in the 12th game to take the opening set, despite committing 18 unforced errors. Schwartzman, who outplayed defending champion Rafa Nadal in the quarter-finals, snatched another early break in the second set but Djokovic was quick to respond. The top seed stepped up the intensity to break Schwartzman`s serve twice before serving out the match comfortably to seal victory -- clinching it with a drop shot. "It was a great week, a very challenging week," Djokovic, who was playing his first event since being defaulted at the U.S. Open for inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball, said on court. "I found my best tennis when I needed it most." "I`m proud that I managed to find the fifth gear when I needed it." Djokovic`s win moves him clear on the list of Masters 1000 titles, one ahead of rival Nadal, and sets him up perfectly for an assault on next week`s rescheduled French Open. "Now we turn to Paris and I couldn`t ask for a better tournament here in Rome," the 33-year-old Djokovic, the oldest male winner of the Italian Open title, said. Heading into Roland Garros, Djokovic has won 31 of his 32 matches this season, and will be among the favourites alongside 12-times winner Nadal and U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem.

Djokovic wins fifth Italian Open to make Masters history

Rafael Nadal warned he knew how to fix his errors before his French Open title defence after crashing in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters on Saturday, the final warm-up before Roland Garros.

The nine-time Rome winner slumped 6-2, 7-5 on a humid night in the Italian capital to Argentine Diego Schwartzman, a player the second seed had beaten in all nine of their previous clashes.

It was Nadal's last chance to tune-up before his bid for a 13th French Open, and record-equalling 20th Grand Slam to match Roger Federer in just over a week.

"It's a completely special and unpredictable year," said the 34-year-old.

"I'll probably go back home and then let's see what's going on. I did my job here.&nbsp;

"I fought until the end. But losing that many serves, you can't expect to win a match.

"Something that I have to fix. I know how to do it.&nbsp;

"I'm going to keep working and keep practising with the right attitude and try to give me a chance to be ready.

"I did a couple of things well and other things bad. And that's it. At least I played three matches."

The two-time defending champion was making his comeback after a long coronavirus-enforced break having skipped the US Open.

Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, a US Open semi-finalist, 6-1, 6-1 in his first match this week followed by Serb Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-3.

But Schwartzman pulled out a stunning performance to leave Nadal with no answer.

"After such a long time without competing, I played good two matches, and now today I played a bad one against a good opponent," said Nadal.

"It was not my night, at all," he said.&nbsp;

"Then we have to think internally why, how I can fix it."

Schwartzman, with just three career titles to Nadal's 85, said he had come close a few times to beating the Spaniard.

"I think four or five times I was close enough to feel like maybe if I play my best tennis I'm going to have chances," said the world number 15.&nbsp;

"Also, he was coming back this tournament after seven months, more or less, eight months.&nbsp;

"And I was thinking, OK, tennis, sometimes it's really crazy and I was not playing good, but today maybe I have the chance."

Rafael Nadal warned he knew how to fix his errors before his French Open title defence after crashing in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters on Saturday, the final warm-up before Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal warned he knew how to fix his errors before his French Open title defence after crashing in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters on Saturday, the final warm-up before Roland Garros. The nine-time Rome winner slumped 6-2, 7-5 on a humid night in the Italian capital to Argentine Diego Schwartzman, a player the second seed had beaten in all nine of their previous clashes. It was Nadal's last chance to tune-up before his bid for a 13th French Open, and record-equalling 20th Grand Slam to match Roger Federer in just over a week. "It's a completely special and unpredictable year," said the 34-year-old. "I'll probably go back home and then let's see what's going on. I did my job here. "I fought until the end. But losing that many serves, you can't expect to win a match. "Something that I have to fix. I know how to do it. "I'm going to keep working and keep practising with the right attitude and try to give me a chance to be ready. "I did a couple of things well and other things bad. And that's it. At least I played three matches." The two-time defending champion was making his comeback after a long coronavirus-enforced break having skipped the US Open. Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, a US Open semi-finalist, 6-1, 6-1 in his first match this week followed by Serb Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-3. But Schwartzman pulled out a stunning performance to leave Nadal with no answer. "After such a long time without competing, I played good two matches, and now today I played a bad one against a good opponent," said Nadal. "It was not my night, at all," he said. "Then we have to think internally why, how I can fix it." Schwartzman, with just three career titles to Nadal's 85, said he had come close a few times to beating the Spaniard. "I think four or five times I was close enough to feel like maybe if I play my best tennis I'm going to have chances," said the world number 15. "Also, he was coming back this tournament after seven months, more or less, eight months. "And I was thinking, OK, tennis, sometimes it's really crazy and I was not playing good, but today maybe I have the chance."

'I know how to fix it:' Nadal stunned in Rome before French Open title defence

Rafael Nadal swept aside Serb Dusan Lajovic to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals on Friday as he warms up on clay before bidding to match the all-time Grand Slam record in Roland Garros.

The world number two has returned this week in Rome after a six-month coronavirus-enforced break before attempting to match Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles in Paris.

The 12-time French Open winner insisted he was not obsessed with matching Federer, absent until 2021 with a knee injury.

"For me it's not an obsession at all," Nadal, 34, told journalists after brushing aside 25th-ranked Lajovic 6-1, 6-3.

Lajovic had valiantly but vainly launched a fightback after trailing 4-0 in the second set to the Spaniard.

"I always say the same. I did all my career my way, and that's what I'm going to keep doing," he continued.

"I can't be all the time thinking about what Roger had or what Novak (Djokovic) or what the other... I know that you put a lot of attention on all of this.&nbsp;

"Of course I would love to finish my career with 25 (Grand Slams) but that's something that probably will not happen," he smiled.&nbsp;

"I'm going to keep fighting to produce chances, and then when I finish my career, let's see. I just want to keep enjoying tennis.&nbsp;

"And that's it. If I am playing well, I know I normally have my chances. If not, it's going to be impossible. That's it."

Nadal declared himself pleased with how his return was going after easing past fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1, 6-1 in his first match earlier in the week.

"I played two good solid matches," he said.&nbsp;

"I played at, I think, a very positive level of tennis. Of course it needs to keep improving.&nbsp;

"I need to keep working in a couple of things that things are not coming automatic.&nbsp;

"But I can't ask for more. Have been another great evening for me against another good opponent.&nbsp;

"Much better, not what I expected."

Nadal next meets Argentine eighth seed Diego Schwartzman, a player he has beaten in all nine of their previous meetings.

Nadal won his first Rome title back in 2005, and is bidding for a third consecutive crown on clay in the Italian capital and 10th in total.

Before this week he had not played since winning in Acapulco in February, opting to skip the US hard court tour.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal swept aside Serb Dusan Lajovic to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals on Friday as he warms up on clay before bidding to match the all-time Grand Slam record in Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal swept aside Serb Dusan Lajovic to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals on Friday as he warms up on clay before bidding to match the all-time Grand Slam record in Roland Garros. The world number two has returned this week in Rome after a six-month coronavirus-enforced break before attempting to match Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles in Paris. The 12-time French Open winner insisted he was not obsessed with matching Federer, absent until 2021 with a knee injury. "For me it's not an obsession at all," Nadal, 34, told journalists after brushing aside 25th-ranked Lajovic 6-1, 6-3. Lajovic had valiantly but vainly launched a fightback after trailing 4-0 in the second set to the Spaniard. "I always say the same. I did all my career my way, and that's what I'm going to keep doing," he continued. "I can't be all the time thinking about what Roger had or what Novak (Djokovic) or what the other... I know that you put a lot of attention on all of this. "Of course I would love to finish my career with 25 (Grand Slams) but that's something that probably will not happen," he smiled. "I'm going to keep fighting to produce chances, and then when I finish my career, let's see. I just want to keep enjoying tennis. "And that's it. If I am playing well, I know I normally have my chances. If not, it's going to be impossible. That's it." Nadal declared himself pleased with how his return was going after easing past fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1, 6-1 in his first match earlier in the week. "I played two good solid matches," he said. "I played at, I think, a very positive level of tennis. Of course it needs to keep improving. "I need to keep working in a couple of things that things are not coming automatic. "But I can't ask for more. Have been another great evening for me against another good opponent. "Much better, not what I expected." Nadal next meets Argentine eighth seed Diego Schwartzman, a player he has beaten in all nine of their previous meetings. Nadal won his first Rome title back in 2005, and is bidding for a third consecutive crown on clay in the Italian capital and 10th in total. Before this week he had not played since winning in Acapulco in February, opting to skip the US hard court tour.

Nadal sweeps into Rome quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-ultimate-challenge-novak-djokovic-to-meet-rafa-nadal-in-italian-open-final-219785">Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic</a> in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals.

Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set.

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🇪🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1130251795584839680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year.

However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9.

The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final.

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Just look at the smile on him 😀 
 
Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 
 
🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a> <a href="https://t.co/uhxmwBCl8m">pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m</a>
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“For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26.

“To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.”

The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes.

The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4.

But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear.

"I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said.

"Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side.

"He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title. The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title. Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals. Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set. 🇪🇸 @rafaelnadal will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.#ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year. However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9. The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final. Just look at the smile on him 😀 Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 🎥: @RafaelNadal | #ibi19 pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × “For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26. “To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.” The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes. The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4. But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear. "I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said. "Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side. "He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal blows away Novak Djokovic to land ninth Rome title

French Open champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Simona+Halep">Simona Halep</a> has said won't be burdened by expectations that she can repeat last year's triumph and would rather focus on enjoying the Grand Slam which starts on Sunday.

The 27-year-old Romanian enters Roland Garros as a favourite for the title given the contrasting form of some of the top names, including Japan's world number one Naomi Osaka, but her own claycourt preparation has not been spectacular either.

World number three Halep could have knocked Osaka off top spot by winning the Madrid Open earlier this month but lost in straight sets to Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens in the final.

A few days later, she fell at her first hurdle in the Italian Open, losing to Marketa Vondrousova -- Halep's second defeat by the 19-year-old Czech this year after a three-set loss at Indian Wells.

However, the Romanian said she did not feel any extra pressure to retain her title at Roland Garros.

"I have no expectations because it's the first time when I have to defend a trophy at a Grand Slam," she told Romania's Digi Sport TV station. "(I just want to) be relaxed, enjoy the tournament and try to win some matches. Nothing more!"

Elite group

Halep has been backed by former French Open champions Mats Wilander and Justine Henin to join an elite group of players in retaining her crown, with three-times men’s champion Wilander saying Halep versus Serena Williams would be "a dream final".

Williams, 37, is battling to be fit for Roland Garros having pulled out of the Italian Open last Tuesday due to a persistent knee injury..

Only five women have successfully defended their titles at the French Open - Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Monica Seles, Steffi Graf and Henin.

Last year Halep finally made it over the line in Paris with a three-set victory over American Sloane Stephens in the final for her maiden Grand Slam title.

The Romanian has special memories of Roland Garros, which is where she won the junior title in 2008 and reached her first major final against Maria Sharapova in 2014.

Halep received medical treatment in the closing stages of the Vondrousova defeat but has shrugged off concerns about her own fitness by declaring herself ready to compete in Paris.

The Romanian even saw some advantages from her early exit in the Italian capital.

"It's also a good thing if you look at the positive side, I needed a few days of relaxation," Halep said. "I rest and hope to have the batteries loaded for Roland Garros."

French Open champion Simona Halep has said won't be burdened by expectations that she can repeat last year's triumph and would rather focus on enjoying the Grand Slam which starts on Sunday.

French Open champion Simona Halep has said won't be burdened by expectations that she can repeat last year's triumph and would rather focus on enjoying the Grand Slam which starts on Sunday. The 27-year-old Romanian enters Roland Garros as a favourite for the title given the contrasting form of some of the top names, including Japan's world number one Naomi Osaka, but her own claycourt preparation has not been spectacular either. World number three Halep could have knocked Osaka off top spot by winning the Madrid Open earlier this month but lost in straight sets to Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens in the final. A few days later, she fell at her first hurdle in the Italian Open, losing to Marketa Vondrousova -- Halep's second defeat by the 19-year-old Czech this year after a three-set loss at Indian Wells. However, the Romanian said she did not feel any extra pressure to retain her title at Roland Garros. "I have no expectations because it's the first time when I have to defend a trophy at a Grand Slam," she told Romania's Digi Sport TV station. "(I just want to) be relaxed, enjoy the tournament and try to win some matches. Nothing more!" Elite group Halep has been backed by former French Open champions Mats Wilander and Justine Henin to join an elite group of players in retaining her crown, with three-times men’s champion Wilander saying Halep versus Serena Williams would be "a dream final". Williams, 37, is battling to be fit for Roland Garros having pulled out of the Italian Open last Tuesday due to a persistent knee injury.. Only five women have successfully defended their titles at the French Open - Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Monica Seles, Steffi Graf and Henin. Last year Halep finally made it over the line in Paris with a three-set victory over American Sloane Stephens in the final for her maiden Grand Slam title. The Romanian has special memories of Roland Garros, which is where she won the junior title in 2008 and reached her first major final against Maria Sharapova in 2014. Halep received medical treatment in the closing stages of the Vondrousova defeat but has shrugged off concerns about her own fitness by declaring herself ready to compete in Paris. The Romanian even saw some advantages from her early exit in the Italian capital. "It's also a good thing if you look at the positive side, I needed a few days of relaxation," Halep said. "I rest and hope to have the batteries loaded for Roland Garros."

Defending champion Simona Halep shrugs off expectations ahead of French Open

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final.

Djokovic battled past Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 and meets defending champion Nadal on Sunday after the Spaniard earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-into-rome-final-as-johanna-konta-completes-comeback-win-in-semis-219690">swept past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4</a> to reach his 50th Masters final.

"It's the ultimate challenge," said the Serbian world number one of playing second-ranked Nadal.&nbsp;

"I've had so many matches against him. Up to date, we had the longest rivalry of tennis of all time.&nbsp;Every time we get to play each other, it's a thrill."

Djokovic -- winner at the Madrid Open last weekend -- has had to battle through his last two matches in Rome.

The 31-year-old won through in 2hr 31min against 24th-ranked Schwartzman, having saved two match points over three hours on Friday night against Juan Martin Del Potro.

But Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has not dropped a set all week en route to an 11th Rome final.

"He's one of the greatest champions this game has ever seen," said 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.&nbsp;

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It's all come down to this! <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djokernole</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
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"His mentality, his approach, his resilience, ability to fight back after long absence from the tour, injuries, surgeries, he's had it all.&nbsp;

"He keeps on showing to the world why he's one of the biggest legends of tennis history.&nbsp;I have greatest respect for him. He's my greatest rival of all time, for sure."&nbsp;

The only time eight-time Rome winner Nadal has lost on the red clay of the Foro Italico has been to four-time winner Djokovic.

The pair who have meet four times in the Rome final and are 2-2 in previous meetings while Djokovic leads their career rivalry 28-25.

'Important test'

Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay this season.

The 32-year-old had been stunned by Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last weekend.

But the Spaniard was clinical on the red clay of the Foro Italico, winning through in 1hr 42min to reach the final for the 11th time.

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"It's an important victory for me," said Nadal.&nbsp;

"Last week I didn't play very well in Madrid. Today I did better.

"For me tomorrow is an opportunity to play against a good player, a great player.&nbsp;

"Is another test. I hope to be ready to compete well. Going to be a tough one."

Nadal's run to the Rome final comes just a week before he starts his assault on a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros.

"The feeling is that I am playing better every week, every day. That's important for me," he said.

"It's not a drama to lose in semi-finals. The main thing is recover my level.&nbsp;

"I've been through some tough moments after Indian Wells. Recovery of the knee again... was not easy to come back and to prepare myself the right way."

Tsitsipas, meanwhile, who lost the Madrid final to Djokovic, was at a loss to explain his performance as he fell to his fourth defeat in five matches against Nadal.

"I'm just trying to realise what I did wrong," said Tsitsipas, "because, I mean, it was just one break in each set, if I'm not wrong."

Fellow Greek Maria Sakkari's run was also halted in the women's tournament as she fell 6-4, 6-4 to Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in 88 minutes.

Sakkari, a 39th-ranked Rome qualifier, had won her first WTA title on clay at the Moroccan Open when she beat Britain's Johanna Konta.

"I think I ran out of gas," said the 23-year-old.

Konta, ranked 42, fought back from a set down to seal victory on her fourth match point against Madrid Open winner Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 after almost three hours to set-up a Sunday final clash with Pliskova.

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final.

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final. Djokovic battled past Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 and meets defending champion Nadal on Sunday after the Spaniard earlier swept past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to reach his 50th Masters final. "It's the ultimate challenge," said the Serbian world number one of playing second-ranked Nadal. "I've had so many matches against him. Up to date, we had the longest rivalry of tennis of all time. Every time we get to play each other, it's a thrill." Djokovic -- winner at the Madrid Open last weekend -- has had to battle through his last two matches in Rome. The 31-year-old won through in 2hr 31min against 24th-ranked Schwartzman, having saved two match points over three hours on Friday night against Juan Martin Del Potro. But Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has not dropped a set all week en route to an 11th Rome final. "He's one of the greatest champions this game has ever seen," said 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. It's all come down to this! @djokernole @rafaelnadal | #ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × "His mentality, his approach, his resilience, ability to fight back after long absence from the tour, injuries, surgeries, he's had it all. "He keeps on showing to the world why he's one of the biggest legends of tennis history. I have greatest respect for him. He's my greatest rival of all time, for sure." The only time eight-time Rome winner Nadal has lost on the red clay of the Foro Italico has been to four-time winner Djokovic. The pair who have meet four times in the Rome final and are 2-2 in previous meetings while Djokovic leads their career rivalry 28-25. 'Important test' Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay this season. The 32-year-old had been stunned by Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last weekend. But the Spaniard was clinical on the red clay of the Foro Italico, winning through in 1hr 42min to reach the final for the 11th time. 5️⃣3️⃣ @FedEx ATP Head2Head matches! 😲@djokernole @rafaelnadal | #ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × "It's an important victory for me," said Nadal. "Last week I didn't play very well in Madrid. Today I did better. "For me tomorrow is an opportunity to play against a good player, a great player. "Is another test. I hope to be ready to compete well. Going to be a tough one." Nadal's run to the Rome final comes just a week before he starts his assault on a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros. "The feeling is that I am playing better every week, every day. That's important for me," he said. "It's not a drama to lose in semi-finals. The main thing is recover my level. "I've been through some tough moments after Indian Wells. Recovery of the knee again... was not easy to come back and to prepare myself the right way." Tsitsipas, meanwhile, who lost the Madrid final to Djokovic, was at a loss to explain his performance as he fell to his fourth defeat in five matches against Nadal. "I'm just trying to realise what I did wrong," said Tsitsipas, "because, I mean, it was just one break in each set, if I'm not wrong." Fellow Greek Maria Sakkari's run was also halted in the women's tournament as she fell 6-4, 6-4 to Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in 88 minutes. Sakkari, a 39th-ranked Rome qualifier, had won her first WTA title on clay at the Moroccan Open when she beat Britain's Johanna Konta. "I think I ran out of gas," said the 23-year-old. Konta, ranked 42, fought back from a set down to seal victory on her fourth match point against Madrid Open winner Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 after almost three hours to set-up a Sunday final clash with Pliskova.

'The ultimate challenge': Novak Djokovic to meet Rafa Nadal in Italian Open final

Karolina Pliskova ended Johanna Konta's hopes of landing a first claycourt title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the Italian Open final on Sunday.

The Czech world number seven did not drop a single service game as she secured the third clay title of her career and her first in Rome in one hour 25 minutes.

British number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-into-rome-final-as-johanna-konta-completes-comeback-win-in-semis-219690">Konta claimed some big scalps</a> on her way to the final, beating Grand Slam winners Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams as well as Madrid Open champion Kiki Bertens.

However, she struggled to trouble the Czech on serve as Pliskova recorded her seventh win in eight meetings with Konta.

The result means Pliskova will be the number two seed at the French Open later this month as she will move to second place in the world rankings on Monday.

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Your 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/InteBNLdItalia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@InteBNLdItalia</a> champion, <a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> 😘🏆 <a href="https://t.co/WlYK1ykDmV">pic.twitter.com/WlYK1ykDmV</a>
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"I was a little bit nervous today, it’s a final so you have to be. Jo played great tennis so she made it quite tough for me," the Czech said.

Asked about her prospects at Roland Garros, she said: “I just hope I can take the tennis I was playing here to Paris and we’ll see.

"I think there will be a chance for me if I play this way but there’s going to be some tough opponents who are playing good tennis on clay."

Konta was broken in her opening service game before saving a set point at 5-2, but Pliskova served out the first set after the Briton failed to take advantage of the only break point she was afforded in the match at 5-3.

Pliskova missed a break point in Konta's opening service game of the second set but eventually broke the 28-year-old at 3-3 before holding serve to secure victory.

Konta remained upbeat, saying: “I’m pleased with how I’ve been progressing this year and how I’ve been improving with every match.

“To make it to a final here, this is my second biggest final after Miami, this is a big moment for me.”

Karolina Pliskova ended Johanna Konta's hopes of landing a first claycourt title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the Italian Open final on Sunday. The Czech world number seven did not drop a single service game as she secured the third clay title of her career and her first in Rome in one hour 25 minutes.

Karolina Pliskova ended Johanna Konta's hopes of landing a first claycourt title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the Italian Open final on Sunday. The Czech world number seven did not drop a single service game as she secured the third clay title of her career and her first in Rome in one hour 25 minutes. British number one Konta claimed some big scalps on her way to the final, beating Grand Slam winners Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams as well as Madrid Open champion Kiki Bertens. However, she struggled to trouble the Czech on serve as Pliskova recorded her seventh win in eight meetings with Konta. The result means Pliskova will be the number two seed at the French Open later this month as she will move to second place in the world rankings on Monday. Your 2019 @InteBNLdItalia champion, @KaPliskova 😘🏆 pic.twitter.com/WlYK1ykDmV — WTA (@WTA) May 19, 2019 × "I was a little bit nervous today, it’s a final so you have to be. Jo played great tennis so she made it quite tough for me," the Czech said. Asked about her prospects at Roland Garros, she said: “I just hope I can take the tennis I was playing here to Paris and we’ll see. "I think there will be a chance for me if I play this way but there’s going to be some tough opponents who are playing good tennis on clay." Konta was broken in her opening service game before saving a set point at 5-2, but Pliskova served out the first set after the Briton failed to take advantage of the only break point she was afforded in the match at 5-3. Pliskova missed a break point in Konta's opening service game of the second set but eventually broke the 28-year-old at 3-3 before holding serve to secure victory. Konta remained upbeat, saying: “I’m pleased with how I’ve been progressing this year and how I’ve been improving with every match. “To make it to a final here, this is my second biggest final after Miami, this is a big moment for me.”

Karolina Pliskova defeat Johanna Konta to win Italian Open

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-pulls-out-of-italian-open-due-to-right-thumb-injury-219451">World number one Osaka pulled out</a> of her quarter-final meeting with Kiki Bertens due to a thumb injury before 37-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-out-of-italian-open-with-right-leg-injury-219425">Federer announced his withdrawal</a> because of a problem to his right leg.

Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 6-4 in a three-hour thriller in the final match of the day to set up a semi-final with another Argentine Diego Schwartzman.

The world number one saved two match points in a second set tiebreak before edging to victory in the final set after a match that brought out some scintillating tennis from both players.

Djokovic will now meet Schwartzman on Saturday after the world number 24 beat Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2.&nbsp;

Defending Italian Open champion Nadal set up a semi-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas thanks to a 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

A week after losing to the Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open, the 32-year-old Nadal will be eager to prove that defeat was just a blip as the Spaniard fine-tunes his game ahead of his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old Greek progressed after Federer's withdrawal.

Nadal went 2-0 down against Verdasco before surviving three break points at 4-4 in the first set, but the second seed pulled away by winning eight consecutive games to continue his hunt for a ninth title in Rome.

"I was not playing badly at the beginning at all but he was playing unbelievable (tennis)," Nadal told reporters.

"No mistakes, a lot of winners, taking the ball early. It was a very difficult first set. It was one of the first sets that I am happier with. I think I had a good feeling during the whole match. Then after winning that first set, in the second, of course, he slows down a little bit, but I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand'', Nadal said.

"I did a lot of things well. I am very happy to be in the semi-finals again. It's a good victory", he added.

In the women's draw, Konta booked her first semi-final in Rome with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova.

The Briton, who defeated Americans Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams in her two matches on Thursday, will face sixth seed Bertens on Saturday after the Madrid Open champion progressed as a result of Osaka's withdrawal.&nbsp;

Konta, celebrating her 28th birthday, hit 42 winners against the 19-year-old Vondrousova and dominated the final set to clinch victory in one hour, 53 minutes.

She heads towards this month's French Open in fine form on clay, having finished runner-up in the Morocco Open at the start of May.&nbsp;

Fourth seed Karolina Pliskova recorded her 500th career win with a 6-7, (5-7), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka.

She will face Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final after the Greek defeated fellow qualifier Kristina Mladenovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems. World number one Osaka pulled out of her quarter-final meeting with Kiki Bertens due to a thumb injury before 37-year-old Federer announced his withdrawal because of a problem to his right leg. Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 6-4 in a three-hour thriller in the final match of the day to set up a semi-final with another Argentine Diego Schwartzman. The world number one saved two match points in a second set tiebreak before edging to victory in the final set after a match that brought out some scintillating tennis from both players. Djokovic will now meet Schwartzman on Saturday after the world number 24 beat Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2. Defending Italian Open champion Nadal set up a semi-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas thanks to a 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. A week after losing to the Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open, the 32-year-old Nadal will be eager to prove that defeat was just a blip as the Spaniard fine-tunes his game ahead of his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title. The 20-year-old Greek progressed after Federer's withdrawal. Nadal went 2-0 down against Verdasco before surviving three break points at 4-4 in the first set, but the second seed pulled away by winning eight consecutive games to continue his hunt for a ninth title in Rome. "I was not playing badly at the beginning at all but he was playing unbelievable (tennis)," Nadal told reporters. "No mistakes, a lot of winners, taking the ball early. It was a very difficult first set. It was one of the first sets that I am happier with. I think I had a good feeling during the whole match. Then after winning that first set, in the second, of course, he slows down a little bit, but I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand'', Nadal said. "I did a lot of things well. I am very happy to be in the semi-finals again. It's a good victory", he added. In the women's draw, Konta booked her first semi-final in Rome with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova. The Briton, who defeated Americans Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams in her two matches on Thursday, will face sixth seed Bertens on Saturday after the Madrid Open champion progressed as a result of Osaka's withdrawal. Konta, celebrating her 28th birthday, hit 42 winners against the 19-year-old Vondrousova and dominated the final set to clinch victory in one hour, 53 minutes. She heads towards this month's French Open in fine form on clay, having finished runner-up in the Morocco Open at the start of May. Fourth seed Karolina Pliskova recorded her 500th career win with a 6-7, (5-7), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka. She will face Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final after the Greek defeated fellow qualifier Kristina Mladenovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Italian Open: Djokovic, Nadal and Konta progress to semis, Osaka and Federer bow out with injury

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals.

The Spaniard will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic's clash with Diego Schwartzman on Sunday.

Nadal avenged his defeat to the 20-year-old Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open a week ago as he looked to be returning to form ahead of this month’s French Open.

The 32-year-old broke Tsitsipas’s serve early in both sets while holding his own service games as he wrapped up victory in one hour 42 minutes.

The win keeps Nadal in the hunt for a ninth Italian Open title after he lost at the semi-final stages of his last four tournaments.

In the women's singles, Konta came from a set behind to beat Dutch world number four Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and progress to the final, where she will face qualifier Maria Sakkari or fourth seed Karolina Pliskova.

The 28-year-old will contest her second claycourt final of the season, after finishing as runner-up to Sakkari at the Morocco Open, as she heads into this month’s French Open in fine form.

Konta lost her momentum after being broken while serving for the first set but fought back by taking the second.

She pulled away in the final set, breaking the Madrid Open champion’s serve twice before securing victory on her fourth match point.

“After I lost the first set, I mean, I didn’t do much wrong," Konta said.

"It was a very good set of tennis. Equally the second set, as well. There wasn’t anybody putting a bad foot out of line.

“In the third, I definitely felt that I was able to maintain my level a bit better than her. I think that gave me the upper hand in stringing some more points together. I’m just very happy to have come through.”

Konta became the first British woman to reach the final of the tournament since Virginia Wade in 1971.

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals. The Spaniard will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic's clash with Diego Schwartzman on Sunday. Nadal avenged his defeat to the 20-year-old Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open a week ago as he looked to be returning to form ahead of this month’s French Open. The 32-year-old broke Tsitsipas’s serve early in both sets while holding his own service games as he wrapped up victory in one hour 42 minutes. The win keeps Nadal in the hunt for a ninth Italian Open title after he lost at the semi-final stages of his last four tournaments. In the women's singles, Konta came from a set behind to beat Dutch world number four Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and progress to the final, where she will face qualifier Maria Sakkari or fourth seed Karolina Pliskova. The 28-year-old will contest her second claycourt final of the season, after finishing as runner-up to Sakkari at the Morocco Open, as she heads into this month’s French Open in fine form. Konta lost her momentum after being broken while serving for the first set but fought back by taking the second. She pulled away in the final set, breaking the Madrid Open champion’s serve twice before securing victory on her fourth match point. “After I lost the first set, I mean, I didn’t do much wrong," Konta said. "It was a very good set of tennis. Equally the second set, as well. There wasn’t anybody putting a bad foot out of line. “In the third, I definitely felt that I was able to maintain my level a bit better than her. I think that gave me the upper hand in stringing some more points together. I’m just very happy to have come through.” Konta became the first British woman to reach the final of the tournament since Virginia Wade in 1971.

Rafael Nadal powers into Rome final as Johanna Konta completes comeback win in semis

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215">outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled</a> from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9ys6P7qHiAhUVXHwKHcwgCz0QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TN6Ap7x66k7h4ZxdQ3LFp">having earlier beaten Joao Sousa.</a>

Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games.

Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament.&nbsp;

Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out.

The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty.

All that came after the 24-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103">ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast</a>, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday.

Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education.

Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer.

"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said.&nbsp;

GRITTY COMEBACK

The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak.

The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots.

Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline.

With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall.&nbsp;

"It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be",&nbsp;a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview.&nbsp;

Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total.

The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court.&nbsp;

Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday. The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, having earlier beaten Joao Sousa. Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games. Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament. Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out. The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty. All that came after the 24-year-old ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday. Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said. GRITTY COMEBACK The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak. The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots. Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline. With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall. "It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be", a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview. Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total. The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Djokovic reach last eight, Kyrgios expelled

Japan's tennis star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212">Naomi Osaka</a> withdrew from the Italian Open quarter-finals on Friday with a right thumb injury. "I woke up this morning and couldn't really move my thumb," Osaka told reporters.&nbsp;

She added, "I tried to practise and grip my racket but I couldn't, and I kept feeling this pain when I tried to move my hand in different directions."&nbsp;

Osaka was due to meet sixth seed Kiki Bertens for a place in the final four in Rome.&nbsp;

"Right now I'm... in between sad and disappointed because I really wanted to play my match today. For me, it was sort of a test to play against Kiki because she's playing really well and I wanted to see how well I could do today."&nbsp;

The injury casts doubts over Osaka's participation in this month's French Open, which is scheduled to kick off from May 26.

However, she refused to rule out competing in Roland Garros.

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"I'm kind of in between sad and disappointed."<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> speaks with the press following her withdrawal from the <a href="https://twitter.com/InteBNLdItalia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@InteBNLdItalia</a> 
 
Full press conference--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/1jtfspyngh">https://t.co/1jtfspyngh</a> <a href="https://t.co/Doh4B5CdB7">pic.twitter.com/Doh4B5CdB7</a>
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"Right now I'm... in between sad and disappointed because I really wanted to play my match today. For me, it was sort of a test to play against Kiki because she's playing really well and I wanted to see how well I could do today.

"I didn't feel anything yesterday. That's why I'm kind of confused right now because I literally woke up in the morning and couldn't move my thumb. So I was like, maybe I slept on it and maybe it will go away, but it didn't."

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Italian Open quarter-finals on Friday with a right thumb injury. "I woke up this morning and couldn't really move my thumb," Osaka told reporters.

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Italian Open quarter-finals on Friday with a right thumb injury. "I woke up this morning and couldn't really move my thumb," Osaka told reporters. She added, "I tried to practise and grip my racket but I couldn't, and I kept feeling this pain when I tried to move my hand in different directions." Osaka was due to meet sixth seed Kiki Bertens for a place in the final four in Rome. "Right now I'm... in between sad and disappointed because I really wanted to play my match today. For me, it was sort of a test to play against Kiki because she's playing really well and I wanted to see how well I could do today." The injury casts doubts over Osaka's participation in this month's French Open, which is scheduled to kick off from May 26. However, she refused to rule out competing in Roland Garros. "I'm kind of in between sad and disappointed."@Naomi_Osaka_ speaks with the press following her withdrawal from the @InteBNLdItalia Full press conference--> https://t.co/1jtfspyngh pic.twitter.com/Doh4B5CdB7 — WTA (@WTA) May 17, 2019 × "Right now I'm... in between sad and disappointed because I really wanted to play my match today. For me, it was sort of a test to play against Kiki because she's playing really well and I wanted to see how well I could do today. "I didn't feel anything yesterday. That's why I'm kind of confused right now because I literally woke up in the morning and couldn't move my thumb. So I was like, maybe I slept on it and maybe it will go away, but it didn't."

Naomi Osaka pulls out of Italian Open due to right thumb injury

World number three <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-federer-nadal-and-djokovic-reach-last-eight-kyrgios-expelled-219307&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjiorL2yaLiAhWIuY8KHYakASkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fc4AWaz3_r70-1cBggp_y">Roger Federer</a> pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury.

Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015.

"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer.&nbsp;

"I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.

"Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year."

Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek.

The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portgual's Joaa Suosa.

The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone &nbsp;French Open title in 2009.

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Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.&nbsp;

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals. The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer. "I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play. "Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year." Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek. The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portgual's Joaa Suosa. The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone French Open title in 2009. Get well soon, @rogerfederer 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4kKVwDglcP — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 17, 2019 × Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.

Roger Federer out of Italian Open with right leg injury

Australian Nick Kyrgios was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103">disqualified from the Italian Open</a> on Thursday after storming off court during his second round match against Norwegian Casper Ruud.

The controversial figure, who had made headlines by criticising other players including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212">Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal </a>in an interview on Wednesday, started arguing with the umpire in the third set.

Kyrgios had levelled the match at one set all but was given a game penalty early on in the third set for swearing.

His response was to kick a water bottle before throwing a chair, packing his bag and then storming off court, shouting "I am f****** done".

Ruud won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-1 to advance to the third round.

Australian Nick Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open on Thursday after storming off court during his second round match against Norwegian Casper Ruud. The controversial figure, who had made headlines by criticising other players including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in an interview on Wednesday, started arguing with the umpire in the third set.

Australian Nick Kyrgios was disqualified from the Italian Open on Thursday after storming off court during his second round match against Norwegian Casper Ruud. The controversial figure, who had made headlines by criticising other players including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in an interview on Wednesday, started arguing with the umpire in the third set. Kyrgios had levelled the match at one set all but was given a game penalty early on in the third set for swearing. His response was to kick a water bottle before throwing a chair, packing his bag and then storming off court, shouting "I am f****** done". Ruud won through 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 2-1 to advance to the third round.

Kyrgios kicks water bottle, throws chair & gets disqualified from Italian Open

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-serena-williams-withdraws-while-alexander-zverev-crashes-out-in-italian-open-218888&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFh4ecoaDiAhXVjOYKHQWrBKgQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw262nKqHdHwq4495Ay-jl2Q">Italian Open</a> for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.

The Swiss had criticised organisers for doubling ticket prices after he confirmed his participation last weekend but the fans who had made their way into Foro Italico on Thursday have been rewarded with a Federer double bill.

With rain having washed out Wednesday's play, Federer along with champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp6bDBoaDiAhUx6nMBHUiVAa8QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nqPQHAlMDxq9Q1yGmRchB">Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic</a> all face playing back-to-back matches on Thursday if they want to reach the quarter-finals.

The backlog means that fans on the secondary Grandstand Court can also look forward to a blockbuster schedule as Federer will be back for an evening showdown with Croatian Borna Coric.

Earlier in the day, Nadal had treated the Grandstand fans to a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Frenchman Jeremy Chardy and the Spaniard will be back on action on the main stage against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Women's world number one Naomi Osaka produced a solid performance to beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 in the day's opener.

Djokovic, fresh from winning last week's Madrid Open, was playing Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the round of 32.

A clash with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marco Cecchinato will be the winner's reward.

The 37-year old Federer moved around the court like his younger self as he rifled in 17 winners in the opening set, having broken Sousa in the seventh game before he saved a triple break point, the last one with a stunning crosscourt forehand.

Having broken Sousa's serve in the opening game of the second set, the Swiss maestro was at his best again in the seventh as he saved a double break point and went on to wrap up the entertaining contest.&nbsp;

"I came out of the blocks well and held serve throughout, so I am very happy to be in the next round," said Federer.

"I played today already and Borna didn't. I don't know whether it's a disadvantage or not but either way it's going to be tough", Federer added.&nbsp;

After crashing out in the semi-finals on home soil in Madrid, Nadal wasted no time in making a statement of intent as he blew away Chardy.&nbsp;

Nadal won 80 per cent of the points on both his first and second serve as he tormented the Frenchman with a barrage of stinging baseline shots.&nbsp;

Osaka made a slow start against Cibulkova as the Slovakian broke the world number one in the third game of the opening set but regained her composure quickly.

The Japanese served two aces to save a double break point in the eighth game and enjoyed plain sailing for the rest of the tie after clinching the game with a service winner.&nbsp;

In the men`s draw, Fernando Verdasco ground out a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over fifth seed Dominic Thiem, as did Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Marin Cilic.&nbsp;

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday. The Swiss had criticised organisers for doubling ticket prices after he confirmed his participation last weekend but the fans who had made their way into Foro Italico on Thursday have been rewarded with a Federer double bill. With rain having washed out Wednesday's play, Federer along with champion Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic all face playing back-to-back matches on Thursday if they want to reach the quarter-finals. The backlog means that fans on the secondary Grandstand Court can also look forward to a blockbuster schedule as Federer will be back for an evening showdown with Croatian Borna Coric. Earlier in the day, Nadal had treated the Grandstand fans to a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Frenchman Jeremy Chardy and the Spaniard will be back on action on the main stage against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka produced a solid performance to beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 in the day's opener. Djokovic, fresh from winning last week's Madrid Open, was playing Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the round of 32. A clash with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marco Cecchinato will be the winner's reward. The 37-year old Federer moved around the court like his younger self as he rifled in 17 winners in the opening set, having broken Sousa in the seventh game before he saved a triple break point, the last one with a stunning crosscourt forehand. Having broken Sousa's serve in the opening game of the second set, the Swiss maestro was at his best again in the seventh as he saved a double break point and went on to wrap up the entertaining contest. "I came out of the blocks well and held serve throughout, so I am very happy to be in the next round," said Federer. "I played today already and Borna didn't. I don't know whether it's a disadvantage or not but either way it's going to be tough", Federer added. After crashing out in the semi-finals on home soil in Madrid, Nadal wasted no time in making a statement of intent as he blew away Chardy. Nadal won 80 per cent of the points on both his first and second serve as he tormented the Frenchman with a barrage of stinging baseline shots. Osaka made a slow start against Cibulkova as the Slovakian broke the world number one in the third game of the opening set but regained her composure quickly. The Japanese served two aces to save a double break point in the eighth game and enjoyed plain sailing for the rest of the tie after clinching the game with a service winner. In the men`s draw, Fernando Verdasco ground out a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over fifth seed Dominic Thiem, as did Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Marin Cilic.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Naomi Osaka sail through to last 16

World number five Alexander Zverev continued his poor recent form as he crashed out of the Italian Open in the second round while Serena Williams had to pull out of the women's draw with a recurring knee injury on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-good-to-be-back-serena-eases-to-victory-in-rome-return-218459&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitm5nsgp3iAhXu6nMBHarRB7MQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2l24bREUr0_M4_TxF61G52">Serena had beaten Swede Rebecca Peterson in straight sets on Monday</a> and was due to face sister Venus but the injury means her participation at the May 26-June&nbsp;French Open is in doubt.&nbsp;

Zverev, who has not got past the quarter-finals at any tournament since reaching the Acapulco final in early March, did little to suggest he could be a contender at Roland Garros after a 7-5, 7-5 defeat by home favourite Matteo Berrettini.&nbsp;

Roared on by a partisan home crowd at the Foro Italico, Berrettini took the opening three games before the German, 2017 champion and last year's runner-up, regained his composure.

Berrettini then saved five break points to take a 6-5 lead before the rattled Zverev, who beat the Italian in the same round last year, threw away the opening set with two unforced errors and a double fault.&nbsp;

They traded breaks early in the second before Zverev, who saved a match point in the 10th game, committed another flurry of errors, capped by a forehand into the net that handed Berrettini a memorable win.

"The environment was great, the match that I played was horrendous," said the 22-year-old Zverev.&nbsp;

World number five Alexander Zverev continued his poor recent form as he crashed out of the Italian Open in the second round while Serena Williams had to pull out of the women's draw with a recurring knee injury on Tuesday.

World number five Alexander Zverev continued his poor recent form as he crashed out of the Italian Open in the second round while Serena Williams had to pull out of the women's draw with a recurring knee injury on Tuesday. Serena had beaten Swede Rebecca Peterson in straight sets on Monday and was due to face sister Venus but the injury means her participation at the May 26-June French Open is in doubt. Zverev, who has not got past the quarter-finals at any tournament since reaching the Acapulco final in early March, did little to suggest he could be a contender at Roland Garros after a 7-5, 7-5 defeat by home favourite Matteo Berrettini. Roared on by a partisan home crowd at the Foro Italico, Berrettini took the opening three games before the German, 2017 champion and last year's runner-up, regained his composure. Berrettini then saved five break points to take a 6-5 lead before the rattled Zverev, who beat the Italian in the same round last year, threw away the opening set with two unforced errors and a double fault. They traded breaks early in the second before Zverev, who saved a match point in the 10th game, committed another flurry of errors, capped by a forehand into the net that handed Berrettini a memorable win. "The environment was great, the match that I played was horrendous," said the 22-year-old Zverev.

Italian Open: Injured Serena Williams withdraws, Alexander Zverev crashes out

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caroline+Wozniacki">Caroline Wozniacki</a> retired because of a leg injury.&nbsp;

For the second consecutive event, Wozniacki has withdrawn early as last week, she had an opening-round injury retirement to Alize Cornet at the Mutua Madrid Open.&nbsp;

In the match, Collins claimed the first set of their opening-round encounter, 7-6(5) but eventually, the match stopped.&nbsp;

World number 20, Collins will now clash with the two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza of Spain for a place in third-round.&nbsp;

Now, Wozniacki would hope to be fit again for the upcoming Grand Slam, French Open, which starts on May 26.&nbsp;

"Obviously, I feel for Caroline, what she's going through with her injuries," said Collins.

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Danielle Collins claimed a spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a> 2️⃣nd round. 
 
Wozniacki retired due to injury following the first set. 
--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS">https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS</a> <a href="https://t.co/JdrZhWNRXr">pic.twitter.com/JdrZhWNRXr</a>
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Unfortunately, Caroline <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wozniacki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wozniacki</a> had to retire from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>. Get well soon.❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ohnaJwmxrK">pic.twitter.com/ohnaJwmxrK</a>
— Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/InteBNLdItalia/status/1128243329680982017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's never fun to go out there and play against somebody that's hurt, and dealing with that kind of pain. I was happy with the way I played, but it's just not a fun situation."

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki retired because of a leg injury.

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki retired because of a leg injury. For the second consecutive event, Wozniacki has withdrawn early as last week, she had an opening-round injury retirement to Alize Cornet at the Mutua Madrid Open. In the match, Collins claimed the first set of their opening-round encounter, 7-6(5) but eventually, the match stopped. World number 20, Collins will now clash with the two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza of Spain for a place in third-round. Now, Wozniacki would hope to be fit again for the upcoming Grand Slam, French Open, which starts on May 26. "Obviously, I feel for Caroline, what she's going through with her injuries," said Collins. Danielle Collins claimed a spot in the #ibi19 2️⃣nd round. Wozniacki retired due to injury following the first set. --> https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS pic.twitter.com/JdrZhWNRXr — WTA (@WTA) May 14, 2019 × Unfortunately, Caroline #Wozniacki had to retire from #ibi19. Get well soon.❤️ pic.twitter.com/ohnaJwmxrK — Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) May 14, 2019 × "It's never fun to go out there and play against somebody that's hurt, and dealing with that kind of pain. I was happy with the way I played, but it's just not a fun situation."

Italian Open: Danielle Collins advances to second round after Caroline Wozniacki retires

Russian Tennis player Maria Sharapova, who has been suffering from a right shoulder injury, announced to withdraw from the Italian Open.

Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 45th is set to replace the three-time champion Sharapova, Rome organisers announced.

The former world number 1 had pulled out of the Russian St. Petersburg Open in January after winning the first-round match after she complained of shoulder pain caused by a fraying tendon and small labrum tear.

The three-time Grand Slam winner said that she would need a few weeks to heal after going through a small procedure on her right shoulder.

Not only did she withdraw from St. Petersburg, she also had to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open and the Madrid Open prior to Rome.

The 28th-ranked player is also in doubt for the French Open, which begins at the end of May.&nbsp;

Sharapova's best finish in a Grand Slam in the period since came in the 2018 French Open where she lost in the quarter-final to Garbine Muguruza.

Russian Tennis player Maria Sharapova, who has been suffering from a right shoulder injury, announced to withdraw from the Italian Open. Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 45th is set to replace the three-time champion Sharapova, Rome organisers announced.

Russian Tennis player Maria Sharapova, who has been suffering from a right shoulder injury, announced to withdraw from the Italian Open. Viktoria Kuzmova, ranked 45th is set to replace the three-time champion Sharapova, Rome organisers announced. The former world number 1 had pulled out of the Russian St. Petersburg Open in January after winning the first-round match after she complained of shoulder pain caused by a fraying tendon and small labrum tear. The three-time Grand Slam winner said that she would need a few weeks to heal after going through a small procedure on her right shoulder. Not only did she withdraw from St. Petersburg, she also had to withdraw from the Stuttgart Open and the Madrid Open prior to Rome. The 28th-ranked player is also in doubt for the French Open, which begins at the end of May. Sharapova's best finish in a Grand Slam in the period since came in the 2018 French Open where she lost in the quarter-final to Garbine Muguruza.

Maria Sharapova withdraws from Italian Open

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time on Sunday when he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 after a stunning comeback.

German second seed Zverev was 3-1 up in the decider before two rain stoppages halted his momentum.

Top seed Nadal raced away with the last five games to secure a 32nd Masters title and ensure a return to the world number one spot.

The 31-year-old also showed why he will once again be the runaway favourite when Roland Garros begins in a week where he'll be bidding for an 11th French Open title.

Zverev, 21, came to the court riding a 13-match win streak which included last weekend's trophy in Madrid. &nbsp;

However, by the end of Sunday's rain-hit final, his record against the Spaniard stood at five defeats in five meetings.

Nadal was 3-1 down at the first rain break but cut the gap on the resumption.

After a further half an hour off court during the second interruption, Nadal came back out firing, winning four straight games to wrap up the win on his second match point.

"The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did. I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy," said Nadal.

"To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great.

"As for Roland Garros, I'm going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a few days. &nbsp;

"For Alexander it's amazing to have won that many matches in a row," Nadal said after winning in just over two hours.

"Today this trophy is with me for a short time, but I'm sure you will get it again."

He added: "This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world.

"To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career."

Nadal remains the best clay-courter of the Open Era with an astonishing 408-36 record

He will next seek an 11th French Open crown to match the 11 he owns from Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

"You are an amazing champion and you proved that today," Zverev told the Spaniard at the trophy presentation.

"You are the greatest clay player of all time, we all saw that. I'm disappointed that my streak is over, but I did lose to Rafa, so maybe it's OK.

"I was so close but I lost it at the end."

With the sun shining, Nadal made light work of what looked like a disastrous start to the match as he dropped serve in the opening game.

But the king of clay quickly mounted a fightback, breaking world number three Zverev to love and going on to deny the German a winning service game in the entire set.

Nadal closed out the opener in 32 minutes on an overhead smash to leave his challenger scratching for answers after losing six straight games.

Zverev finally held serve to start the second set and answered Nadal by breaking the top seed twice to reach 5-0 as the first dark clouds of the week gathered over the Foro Italico and the conditions slowed.&nbsp;

Nadal temporarily stopped the rot as he won his fist game of the set but Zverev levelled the match at a set each a game later.

That set the stage for the rollercoaster third set decider.

&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time on Sunday when he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 after a stunning comeback. German second seed Zverev was 3-1 up in the decider before two rain stoppages halted his momentum. Top seed Nadal raced away with the last five games to secure a 32nd Masters title and ensure a return to the world number one spot. The 31-year-old also showed why he will once again be the runaway favourite when Roland Garros begins in a week where he'll be bidding for an 11th French Open title. Zverev, 21, came to the court riding a 13-match win streak which included last weekend's trophy in Madrid. However, by the end of Sunday's rain-hit final, his record against the Spaniard stood at five defeats in five meetings. Nadal was 3-1 down at the first rain break but cut the gap on the resumption. After a further half an hour off court during the second interruption, Nadal came back out firing, winning four straight games to wrap up the win on his second match point. "The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did. I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy," said Nadal. "To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great. "As for Roland Garros, I'm going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a few days. "For Alexander it's amazing to have won that many matches in a row," Nadal said after winning in just over two hours. "Today this trophy is with me for a short time, but I'm sure you will get it again." He added: "This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world. "To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career." Nadal remains the best clay-courter of the Open Era with an astonishing 408-36 record He will next seek an 11th French Open crown to match the 11 he owns from Monte Carlo and Barcelona. "You are an amazing champion and you proved that today," Zverev told the Spaniard at the trophy presentation. "You are the greatest clay player of all time, we all saw that. I'm disappointed that my streak is over, but I did lose to Rafa, so maybe it's OK. "I was so close but I lost it at the end." With the sun shining, Nadal made light work of what looked like a disastrous start to the match as he dropped serve in the opening game. But the king of clay quickly mounted a fightback, breaking world number three Zverev to love and going on to deny the German a winning service game in the entire set. Nadal closed out the opener in 32 minutes on an overhead smash to leave his challenger scratching for answers after losing six straight games. Zverev finally held serve to start the second set and answered Nadal by breaking the top seed twice to reach 5-0 as the first dark clouds of the week gathered over the Foro Italico and the conditions slowed. Nadal temporarily stopped the rot as he won his fist game of the set but Zverev levelled the match at a set each a game later. That set the stage for the rollercoaster third set decider.

Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep.

World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match.

"It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession.

The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way.

Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback.

Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand.

On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself.

"I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep. World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match. "It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession. The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way. Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback. Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand. On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself. "I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic 7-6, 6-3 to reach the Italian Open final on Saturday.

Top-seeded and a seven-time champion in Rome, Nadal took one hour and 56 minutes to beat his Serbian opponent.

The recent champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, Nadal earned his 25th victory out of 51 matches against Djokovic.&nbsp

In the final, Rafa is to face the winner of the match between Germany's Alexander Zverev and Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Nadal took one hour and 56 minutes to beat his Serbian opponent.

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic 7-6, 6-3 to reach the Italian Open final on Saturday. Top-seeded and a seven-time champion in Rome, Nadal took one hour and 56 minutes to beat his Serbian opponent. The recent champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, Nadal earned his 25th victory out of 51 matches against Djokovic. In the final, Rafa is to face the winner of the match between Germany's Alexander Zverev and Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Italian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Djokovic to reach final

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Anett Kontaveit.

Fourth-ranked Svitolina is aiming for her third title of the season following victories in Brisbane and Dubai.

She will face the winner from Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep for the trophy on Sunday.

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Anett Kontaveit. Fourth-ranked Svitolina is aiming for her third title of the season following victories in Brisbane and Dubai. She will face the winner from Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep for the trophy on Sunday.

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina reaches second straight Rome final

Former world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-5 on Friday.

The battle between the two French Open champions lasted for more than three hours.

Playing her fourth match in as many days, Sharapova needed three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle.

Now, Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis.

Earlier, Seven-time champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-outplays-fabio-fognini-to-enter-semi-final-137976">Rafael Nadal</a> deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-outplays-fabio-fognini-to-enter-semi-final-137976">beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini</a> 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one.

The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.

Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis

Former world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-5 on Friday. The battle between the two French Open champions lasted for more than three hours. Playing her fourth match in as many days, Sharapova needed three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle. Now, Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis. Earlier, Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one. The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.

Italian Open: Maria Sharapova enters semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko

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