Aryna Sabalenka Dominates Rome Open With 6-2, 6-2 Victory Over Potapova
Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world No. 1, showcased her dominance yet again at the Rome Open by effortlessly defeating Anastasia Potapova in a stunning 6-2, 6-2 victory. Following her recent triumph at the Madrid Open, Sabalenka wasted no time in securing her spot in the third round at Foro Italico on May 9, 2025.
The Belarusian powerhouse demonstrated her unparalleled skills on the court, securing back-to-back breaks to claim the first set with ease. Despite a brief challenge from world No. 34 Potapova in the early stages of the second set, Sabalenka swiftly regained control, ultimately clinching the match in straight sets in just over an hour.
Sabalenka’s next opponent in Rome will be none other than 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. With a 3-1 lead in their head-to-head matchups, Sabalenka appears to have the upper hand against Kenin, who notably secured a victory over the Belarusian on the clay courts of Rome in 2023.
However, Sabalenka remains the favorite as she continues her quest for a fifth consecutive WTA final appearance. Embracing the vibrant atmosphere at Foro Italico, Sabalenka expressed her delight in playing amidst the picturesque surroundings. "The energy of the stadium and the beauty of the venue really boost my performance on the court," she said, highlighting the positive impact of the environment on her game.
As Sabalenka gears up to face off against Kenin in the upcoming match, tennis enthusiasts are eager to witness the clash of these two formidable competitors on the court. Kenin, who recently defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets, will undoubtedly pose a challenge for the world No. 1.
In other matches at the Italian Open, Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his bid for a first Rome title against Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic, while last year’s winner Alexander Zverev is also in action against Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli.
The Rome Open is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with Sabalenka aiming to add another title to her growing resume. Stay tuned as the action unfolds, with Sabalenka poised to make her mark once again in the world of women’s tennis.
