Iga Swiatek extracted immediate revenge after losing her opening serve to Lesia Tsurenko, with the two-time Rome Masters champion running off a dozen games in a row to enter the fourth round.
Poland’s WTA No. 1 wasted no time in making up for her early error, with her victory in 77 minutes marking her 13th in a row at the Foro Italico.
The defending champion now stands 11-1 on clay this spring.
Swiatek totally dominated most statistical categories, firing 22 winners to just two for her Ukrainian opponent; the Pole converted on six of 10 break points.
“For sure after a pretty rusty start, I was able to break back pretty quickly, so I’m happy that I played a solid game,” Swiatek said of her early deficit.
“I’m just happy it wasn’t raining.”
Last week’s Madrid finalist said she has been able to make a fresh start on clay in Rome.
“I had three days off and was able to reset and just forget about Madrid, be fresh again.
“I think the proper recovery is the key…but we’ll see in the second week of (this) tournament.”
American outsider Ann Li produced the upset of her life on Wednesday, taking 10 match points…
Alexander Zverev will claim world year-end No. 1 honours for the first time on the…
John McEnroe has used a trip to Spain to come down hard on modern player…
Carlos Alcaraz will headline the field as the Australian Open stages its 1-Point Slam for…
Novak Djokovic is wisely choosing not to tempt fate, with the China Open winner withdrawing…
Novak Djokovic retained his magic touch at the China Open, winning his seventh title without…