Today : May 08, 2025
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07 May 2025

Exciting Matches Set For Day Two At Internazionali BNL D’Italia

Young Talent Tyra Grant Makes Her Debut As Italian Player In Major Tournament

On May 7, 2025, the second day of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia promises to be electrifying as a host of Italian players take to the courts at the iconic Foro Italico. Kicking off the day’s action on the main court at 11:00 AM will be the match between Sara Errani and Naomi Osaka. Errani, who was a finalist in this tournament back in 2014, has been struggling to find her form lately, raising questions about whether this could be her last appearance in singles at the event. On the other hand, Osaka, the former world number one, is coming off a recent victory at the WTA 125 in Saint-Malo but has had inconsistent performances on clay, which is known to be Errani’s preferred surface.

Following this highly anticipated opener, Lorenzo Sonego is set to face Burruchaga in the third match of the day. This will be the first direct encounter between the two players, and Sonego will undoubtedly be buoyed by the support of the home crowd, which has always rallied behind him with great enthusiasm. It’s a crucial moment for him to capitalize on this support and make a significant advance in the tournament.

As the day progresses, the spotlight will turn to the young and promising Tyra Grant, who is set to make her debut at the tournament, scheduled for no earlier than 7:00 PM. The 17-year-old Italian, who recently announced her commitment to representing Italy, will face off against Croatian player Ruzic, who has come through the qualifiers. Grant, born on March 12, 2008, in Rome, is the daughter of former basketball player Tyrone Grant and tennis instructor Cinzia Giovinco. Despite her youth, she has already made waves in the tennis world with her impressive junior career.

In addition to Grant, Luciano Darderi will also take to the court later in the evening, facing Yunchaokete Bu at around 8:30 PM. Both players are 23 years old, but Darderi holds a significant edge in the ATP rankings, sitting at number 46 compared to Bu’s 73. The match is expected to showcase their talents as they seek to make an impact in this prestigious tournament.

Meanwhile, the Grand Stand Arena will see Elisabetta Cocciaretto in action against Elina Avanesyan at 1:00 PM. Cocciaretto will be looking to leverage the support of the Roman crowd as she takes on the Russian-Armenian player, currently ranked 38th in the world. Following her match, Lucrezia Stefanini will battle Kudermetova, and Francesco Passaro will face Tseng in what promises to be an exciting series of matches.

Over at the newly inaugurated SuperTennis Arena, Arianna Zucchini will compete in the second match of the day against Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko, born in 2006. Mboko has had a stellar season, winning 32 of her 35 matches and claiming five ITF tournaments. Zucchini, who earned her spot in the main draw through a wild card after the BNL prequalifications, is expected to put up a strong fight.

Following Zucchini’s match, Federica Urgesi will take on Bianca Andrescu, the 2019 US Open champion and former world number four, who has faced numerous injuries that have hindered her progress. This matchup will be crucial for Urgesi as she aims to establish herself against a seasoned competitor.

Tyra Grant’s journey to this point has been remarkable. After training at the prestigious Riccardo Piatti academy and even sharing training sessions with the likes of Jannik Sinner, she has built a solid foundation for her career. Her decision to represent Italy marks a significant moment not only for her but also for the Italian tennis landscape, which is eager for new stars to emerge. Having already claimed three junior Grand Slam titles in doubles and reaching finals in singles at major tournaments, Grant is seen as a future leader in Italian tennis.

As Grant steps onto the court for her match against Ruzic, expectations are high. Ranked 335th in the WTA rankings, she is keen to prove her mettle against the more experienced Ruzic, who currently stands at 117th. The match will be broadcast live on SuperTennis HD, as well as on Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport Tennis, allowing fans to witness the beginning of what many hope will be a brilliant career.

With the excitement building at the Foro Italico, fans are gearing up for a day filled with thrilling tennis action. The atmosphere is set to be electric as players battle for glory, and the Italian crowd is ready to support their homegrown talents. As the matches unfold, all eyes will be on the emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike, making for a captivating day at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.