Sabalenka into Italian Open quarterfinal

MINSK, 13 May (BelTA) – In the round of Last 16 Belarus’ world number one Aryna Sabalenka held off Ukraine’s World No.27 Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 7-6(10-8) in 2 hours and 5 minutes to make the Italian Open quarterfinal, BelTA hs learned.

The Belarusian will next face World No.8 Zheng Qinwen of China for a spot in the semifinals. On her way to the quarterfinal Aryna Sabalenka defeated Russia’s world number 34 Anastasia Potapova, 6-2, 6-2, and world number 31 Sofia Kenin of the United States, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Last year Aryna Sabalenka reached the Italian Open final where she lost to Poland’s Iga Swiatek.

The event in Rome will be over on 17 May. The winner will get 1,000 points and €877,300.