Rome Open WTA Day Three Round-Up: Anna Kalinskaya survives nine match points as Sabalenka defeats Krejcikova in Grand Slam champions battle

Thursday, 07 May 2026 at 23:44

Third day action at the WTA Rome Open marks the start of the second round featured contrasting narratives at the top of the draw, with Aryna Sabalenka prevailing in a Grand Slam champions clash against Barbora Krejcikova while delivering a controlled straight-sets performance. Elsewhere, Anna Kalinskaya produced one of the standout survival stories of the tournament, saving nine match points to overturn Katerina Siniakova and progress in dramatic fashion.

The Rome Open WTA draw continues to separate form players from unstable seed positions, with Coco Gauff, Qinwen Zheng and Mirra Andreeva all advancing in composed fashion. However, the depth of competition was again highlighted through extended three-set battles and a retirement, as Clara Tauson exited early and Jasmine Paolini was pushed to the limit as she starts her title defence.

Andreeva dismantles Ružić in dominant display

Mirra Andreeva def. Antonia Ružić 6-1, 6-0

Andreeva imposed immediate control through aggressive return positioning, breaking early and consistently targeting Ružić’s second serve to prevent any rhythm development. The baseline exchanges were heavily one-sided, with the Russian dictating both direction and tempo from the opening games.

Read also

The tactical gap widened as Andreeva increased depth on the backhand wing and compressed Ružić’s court positioning. Forced errors accumulated rapidly, particularly in extended rallies where Ružić struggled to absorb pace or reset neutral exchanges.

Andreeva finished with a dominant first-serve points won rate and an overwhelming return-game efficiency, conceding just one game in total. She advances in the Rome Open WTA draw with minimal physical expenditure, reinforcing her status as one of the most in-form players of the clay swing.

Zheng recovers to overcome Bucșa

Qinwen Zheng def. Cristina Bucșa 7-6, 6-2

Zheng began under early pressure as Bucșa exploited second-serve instability and forced extended baseline exchanges. Despite falling behind, Zheng gradually improved her depth on return, shifting momentum through more aggressive positioning inside the baseline.

The turning point came in the first-set tiebreak, where Zheng reduced unforced errors and neutralised Bucșa’s rally consistency. From there, she increased first-serve effectiveness and began to dictate shorter points in the second set.

Zheng finished with superior return-point efficiency and a higher percentage of first-serve points won, reflecting her growing control after a slow start. She progresses in the Rome Open WTA draw with a second-round win that required mid-match tactical adjustment rather than early dominance.

Paolini survives stern Jeanjean test

Jasmine Paolini def. Leolia Jeanjean 6-7, 6-2, 6-4

Paolini struggled to impose early rhythm against Jeanjean, with extended baseline exchanges exposing inconsistencies on serve during the opening set. Jeanjean capitalised by maintaining depth and forcing errors in neutral positions.

The Italian responded by increasing first-serve percentage and reducing rally length, shifting the match dynamics decisively in the second set. Greater court aggression allowed Paolini to control service games more efficiently and apply consistent return pressure.

Paolini finished with improved break-point conversion and stronger second-serve stability across the final two sets. The reigning champion advances in the Rome Open WTA draw, but only after navigating a sustained physical and tactical test.

Sabalenka maintains control against Krejčíková

Aryna Sabalenka def. Barbora Krejčíková 6-2, 6-3

Sabalenka established early dominance through heavy first-strike tennis, targeting Krejčíková’s backhand and preventing her from constructing extended rallies. The World No. 1’s serve efficiency immediately created scoreboard separation.

Although Krejčíková briefly stabilised her service games in the second set, Sabalenka continued to generate consistent return pressure, forcing errors in key deuce situations. The match was largely defined by Sabalenka’s ability to neutralise second-serve points.

Sabalenka recorded a high first-serve points won percentage and multiple break conversions, underlining her control in both sets. She advances in the Rome Open WTA draw with minimal disruption ahead of a more demanding third-round pathway.

aryna-sabalenka-practice-madrid-open-2026

Kalinskaya survives nine match points in dramatic turnaround

Anna Kalinskaya def. Katerina Siniaková 4-6, 7-6, 7-5

Siniaková controlled large sections of the match through disciplined baseline patterns and a solid first-serve platform, creating multiple opportunities to close the contest in straight sets. Kalinskaya, however, gradually extended rallies and reduced unforced errors under pressure.

The pivotal phase arrived in the second set and early third, where Kalinskaya saved nine match points through improved second-serve resilience and deeper return positioning. Momentum shifted as Siniaková’s intensity dropped in extended service games.

Kalinskaya ultimately finished with superior break-point efficiency in the decisive set, converting late opportunities to complete the comeback. She advances in the Rome Open WTA draw after one of the most statistically extreme survival wins of the round.

Bencic dismantles Andreescu with return dominance

Score: Belinda Bencic def. Bianca Andreescu 6-4, 6-1

Bencic immediately targeted Andreescu’s second serve, stepping inside the baseline to shorten points and disrupt rhythm. The Swiss maintained consistent depth, preventing Andreescu from establishing any stable baseline structure.

The match shifted decisively after a competitive opening set, as Bencic increased return aggression and exploited declining first-serve efficiency from Andreescu. Breaks accumulated through sustained pressure in extended service games.

Bencic finished with a high break-point conversion rate and dominant return-game performance, winning the majority of Andreescu’s service games. She progresses in the Rome Open WTA draw with one of the most controlled displays of the round.

Gauff controls Valentová in straight sets

Coco Gauff def. Tereza Valentová 6-3, 6-4

Gauff established early authority through return pressure, targeting Valentová’s second serve and forcing her into extended baseline exchanges. The American quickly built a break advantage in the opening set, using depth and controlled aggression to dictate neutral rallies.

The Czech responded with improved resistance in service games, but Gauff maintained structural control through higher first-serve consistency and more efficient return positioning. Valentová’s attempts to extend rallies were repeatedly neutralised by early ball striking.

Gauff finished with superior break-point conversion efficiency and a stronger return-game output, particularly in key moments of the second set. She advances in the Rome Open WTA draw with a composed straight-sets win, maintaining her progression through the early rounds.

Ostapenko overturns Ruse after slow start

Jelena Ostapenko def. Elena-Gabriela Ruse 2-6, 6-3, 6-3

Ruse began by disrupting Ostapenko’s rhythm through deep returns and consistent baseline depth, forcing errors and controlling the first set through stability in neutral exchanges. Ostapenko struggled to find timing early and was pushed behind the baseline.

The match shifted once Ostapenko increased first-serve percentage and reduced rally length, particularly by taking earlier ball contact on return games. Momentum swung as Ruse’s service efficiency dropped under sustained pressure.

Ostapenko closed with improved break-point conversion and higher aggression in decisive games, taking control of the final set through consistent first-strike tennis. She progresses in the Rome Open WTA draw after recovering from an opening-set deficit.

Read also

Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist

Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.

Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

Rome Open ATP Day Two Round-Up: Matteo Berrettini and Stefanos Tsitsipas suffer early exits as Popyrin and Machac advance

“I lost in the final and went very hard on myself”: Mirra Andreeva details Madrid emotional fallout