Musa
At the 2025 Italian Open in Rome, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev made emphatic statements of intent by easing into the last 16 with straight-set victories, while Aryna Sabalenka had to dig deep to overcome a spirited challenge from Sofia Kenin.
Zverev, showing flashes of the form that once took him to the top five, dominated his match with clinical baseline hitting and a consistent serve. The German’s movement and timing looked sharp as he dispatched his opponent with minimal fuss, continuing his steady climb back into title contention.
Medvedev, often less comfortable on clay, also impressed with his efficient win. Though not always at home on the red dirt, the world No. 4 seemed in command, using his unorthodox defensive skills and flat groundstrokes to control rallies and frustrate his adversary. His progress into the fourth round underscores his increasing adaptability on slower surfaces, which bodes well for his Roland Garros campaign.
On the women’s side, Sabalenka had a far tougher route through. Facing former Australian Open champion Kenin, the Belarusian had to survive a three-set battle that tested her patience and shot selection. After dropping the first set, Sabalenka found her rhythm, using her trademark power and improved movement to turn the match around. It was a gritty, hard-fought win that highlighted her growing maturity under pressure.
With key names advancing and the competition heating up, the Italian Open is shaping into a thrilling prelude to the French Open.
Musa
Olaniyi Ayoola
