Jannik Sinner began his Italian Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Sebastian Ofner, extending his winning streak at ATP Masters 1000 events to 29 matches. The world No. 1 and top seed triumphed 6-3, 6-4 in the second round.
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie faced an early exit, losing to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Top-ranked women’s player Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shocking third-round defeat to Sorana Cirstea at the Italian Open. Sabalenka appeared in control, leading by a set and 2-0, but the 26th-ranked Romanian mounted a comeback to win 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.
It was the first victory over a world No. 1 for the 36-year-old Cirstea, who is playing her final professional season.
“I’m very, very happy,” Cirstea said. “Aryna is an amazing player. I thought I played really well today. I’m working really, really hard. It’s nice to have this result as payoff.”
Sabalenka showed signs of discomfort from lower back pain and called for a medical timeout while trailing 4-3 in the final set.
“Felt like my body was limiting me from performing on the highest level,” Sabalenka said. “She stepped in and played incredible tennis. Didn’t really give me much opportunities…I guess we never lose, we only learn, so it’s okay. Probably it’s my lower back, connected to the hip, which is limiting me from the full rotation. We are going to have some days off, spend it on recovery. That’s the plan for now.”
This marks the second consecutive surprise early exit for Sabalenka, who was upset by American Hailey Baptiste in the Madrid Open quarter-finals last week. Cirstea advances to face Linda Noskova in the round of 16.
Defending champion Jasmine Paolini was eliminated after squandering three match points in a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 loss to Elise Mertens.
Third seed Coco Gauff survived a major scare, rallying to defeat Argentine Solana Sierra 5-7, 6-0, 6-4.
Sinner’s victory keeps alive his quest to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and complete the “Career Golden Masters.” He made history last week in Madrid by becoming the first player to win five consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles, following triumphs in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo.
