Sabalenka Quick Against Potapova in the Second Round of the WTA 1000 in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka wants to keep the momentum going. Just crowned in Madrid, the world number 1, already a winner of three titles on the main circuit in 2025 (with three other finals lost), is present in Rome where she reached the final last year.

For her debut in the Eternal City, the Belarusian faced Anastasia Potapova. The Russian, a Madrid quarter-finalist last week, had saved a match point in the first round against Dayana Yastremska before prevailing (2-6, 7-6, 6-3), but the task was entirely different for the world number 34 this Friday.

Far superior to her opponent, to whom she left only scraps on her serve (not conceding a single break point), Sabalenka didn’t linger. On her final winning forehand, the world number 1 won confidently (6-2, 6-2 in 1h03) and qualified for the third round, where she will face Sofia Kenin.

The American, on her part, eliminated another Russian player, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, in straight sets as well (6-3, 6-0). This is already Sabalenka’s 32nd win of the season, further solidifying her top spot in the Race.