Tough stretch for Pegula, out in the third round in Rome

Jessica Pegula’s European clay-court season continues to be challenging. After quarterfinal exits in Stuttgart and a third-round loss in Madrid, she fell at the same stage in Rome on Saturday.

Facing Elise Mertens, Pegula was the first player to secure a break in the match at 3-2, but she gave it back immediately. Mertens, ruthless in converting break points (4/4), won eight of the last nine games to clinch the match 7-5, 6-1.

Mertens will now advance to the Round of 16 in Rome for the second time in her career. She will face world No. 11 Diana Shnaider next.

Pegula, who will move back to No. 3 in the WTA rankings after this tournament, will head to the WTA 500 in Strasbourg (May 17-24) to finalize her preparations for Roland Garros.