Aryna Sabalenka. Photo courtesy of the NOC of Belarus
MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – The opening matches of the WTA 1000 tournament, featuring a $6.9 million prize pool, have kicked off on the clay courts of Rome, BelTA has learned.
In the opening round, Czech tennis player Barbora Krejcikova (world No. 53) defeated France’s Elsa Jacquemot (world No. 64) in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. In the round of 64, she is set to face world number one Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who celebrates her 28th birthday today, on 5 May. In 2024, Sabalenka reached the final of this tournament, where she lost to Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
Another Belarusian, Aliaksandra Sasnovich (world No. 120), failed to reach the main draw in Rome after a first-round qualifying loss. She fell to Julia Grabher (121) of Austria in three sets: 6-4, 2-6, 4-6.
In 2025, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini claimed victory in Rome, defeating American Coco Gauff in the final with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
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