Swiatek begins Italian Open title defense with dominant win over Cocciaretto
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek began her 2025 Italian Open campaign with a commanding performance, dismantling local favorite Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-1, 6-0 in just 52 minutes on Thursday. The Polish star, who has won the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament three times (2021, 2022, 2023), looked in top form as she continues her clay-court preparations ahead of the French Open.
Swiatek, who suffered a disappointing semi-final loss to Coco Gauff at the Madrid Open last week, bounced back emphatically in front of a packed crowd at Foro Italico. Her aggressive baseline play, impeccable court coverage, and composure under pressure left Cocciaretto with few answers in their second-round match.
“I felt like the ball was kind of listening to me today and I had full control over the match,” Swiatek told reporters post-match. “It’s always nice to have a match where everything clicks, but I’m also aware that I need to keep putting in the work.”
With this victory, Swiatek has now advanced to the third round, where she will face in-form American Danielle Collins. Their clash is expected to be a key highlight of the next round, given Collins’ aggressive playing style and recent resurgence.
Osaka Fights Back in Three-Set Thriller
Elsewhere in the women’s draw, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka battled from behind to defeat lucky loser Viktorija Golubic in a gritty 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 encounter. Despite a slow start, Osaka found her rhythm late in the second set and dominated the decider with a mix of powerful serves and precise groundstrokes.
This marks a positive step for Osaka, who is continuing her comeback to full form after maternity leave and an extended absence from the tour.
Italian Hope Jasmine Paolini Advances, Pegula and Keys Cruise
Italy’s own Jasmine Paolini, seeded sixth in the tournament, gave the home fans plenty to cheer about as she defeated New Zealand’s Lulu Sun 6-4, 6-3. Paolini, who has enjoyed a career-best season so far, now sets up a third-round showdown with Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur who advanced via walkover after Petra Kvitova withdrew due to injury.
Jessica Pegula, the American third seed, breezed past compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-4, 6-2 to book her place in the third round. She will now face Elise Mertens, who came through a tough three-setter against Suzan Lamens.
Fellow American Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, also progressed comfortably with a 7-6(4), 6-1 win over France’s Varvara Gracheva. Keys, who thrives on fast surfaces, is beginning to look more comfortable on clay as the tournament progresses.
Svitolina impresses on Return, French Open form building
Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina, a semi-finalist at the recent Madrid Open, started her Rome campaign strongly by defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 7-6(2). The former world No. 3 has been quietly building momentum on clay and remains a dangerous floater in the draw.
ATP: Sinner Returns from Suspension, Fognini Bids Emotional Farewell
Over on the men’s side, Italian tennis is buzzing with the return of Jannik Sinner, who is set to make his much-anticipated comeback following a three-month doping suspension. The current world No. 1 will face Mariano Navone in his first match back on Saturday. Navone reached the second round after a straight-sets win over Federico Cina.
Meanwhile, veteran Italian Fabio Fognini waved an emotional goodbye to his home tournament after falling 6-2, 6-3 to Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. The 37-year-old received a standing ovation from the home crowd as he exited the court for the final time at the Rome Masters.
Also in men’s action, Hungarian Fabian Marozsan eased past rising Brazilian star Joao Fonseca, who continues to struggle with consistency on European clay following his breakout win in Buenos Aires earlier this season.
Up Next: Swiatek vs Collins, Sinner’s Return, and More Showdowns Await
With the tournament heating up, all eyes will be on Swiatek as she continues her quest for a fourth Italian Open title and prepares for Roland Garros. Jannik Sinner’s return is also poised to be one of the most-watched moments of the tournament, as Italian fans rally behind their top-ranked superstar.
Stay tuned to Sportsligue.com for more in-depth Italian Open coverage, player interviews, live scores, and daily match highlights.
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