Muguruza was exceptional once again seeing off No.7 seed Konta in a 6-4, 6-1 victory to advance to this stage at Rome for the third time in her career.

Also as a result, the former World No.1 has now reached the Quarter-Finals or better at 6/7 events she has played in 2020 making it now 20-5 this season which shows her return to form.

The first set was very close between the Spaniard and the Brit despite the former having a chance of a break at 3-2 up. Despite that though, her brilliance continued as she kept herself out in front at the latter stage of the first set.

Muguruza converted her second break point after going 40-0 up and earned the first break and as a result an early foothold in the clash.

The next set was a lot more simpler scoreline wise at 6-1 but it reflected missed opportunities for Konta who in both of her lost breaks had opportunities to hold.

She also had the opportunity to break when going 3-0 down missing three break points in losing the game. It was a strong ending though from Muguruza who swept the final game 40-0.

Azarenka on the other hand won through after Kasatkina retired during their first set tiebreak. The Russian looked exceptional after going 3-1 down in the first set winning three straight games to move a break ahead in a first set which included six straight breaks; as no player could hold their serve.

Heartbreak came though from Kasatkina who chased a drop shot at 1-0 down in the tie break and she rolled over on her right foot.

The Belarusian showed true compassion towards her opponent by rushing over with an ice pack and helped her to her chair while she burst into tears.

As a result, at the advice in particular of the medical staff, Kasatkina conceded to Azarenka. The latter as a result continues her run on the clay after her return to form at Flushing Meadows and now takes on Muguruza in one of the main ties to watch on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1306977552464932864?s=20