On May 11, 2025, the clay courts of the Foro Italico in Rome witnessed a stunning upset as Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, the world No. 6 and a formidable force in women’s tennis, fell in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Canada’s Bianca Andreescu, a former US Open champion, delivered a masterful performance, defeating Rybakina 2-6, 4-6 in a match that lasted one hour and 49 minutes. The result sent shockwaves through the tournament, halting Rybakina’s quest for a second Rome title and highlighting Andreescu’s resurgence after a challenging year. For fans and analysts, this clash was a reminder of the unpredictable drama that defines elite tennis, with both players showcasing resilience and skill under the Roman sun.
Rybakina, a 2023 Rome champion and a consistent Grand Slam contender, entered the match as the favorite, riding a wave of strong performances. Her season had been marked by three WTA titles and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, cementing her reputation as a versatile and powerful player. Against Andreescu, she started strongly, breaking early in the first set to secure a 6-2 victory in just 37 minutes. Her aggressive baseline game and pinpoint serving—evidenced by four aces and a 75% first-serve point win rate—seemed poised to dominate. “I was just trying to stay focused and keep my game plan simple,” Rybakina said, reflecting on her approach. However, Andreescu, ranked No. 31 and battling back from injuries, refused to wilt under pressure, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround.
The second set saw Andreescu elevate her game, capitalizing on Rybakina’s unforced errors, which totaled 20 by the match’s end. Andreescu’s defensive prowess and ability to mix pace with spin frustrated Rybakina, who struggled to maintain her rhythm. A crucial break at 4-4 gave Andreescu the edge, and she served out the set 6-4, forcing a decider. In the third set, Andreescu’s tenacity shone through as she broke Rybakina twice, overcoming a late surge from the Kazakh to clinch the match 6-4. “I knew it was going to be a tough match, so I just tried to stay loose and take my chances,” Andreescu said, her voice filled with quiet confidence. Her performance, marked by 18 winners and a gritty defensive display, underscored her potential to reclaim her place among the WTA’s elite.
This defeat was a rare stumble for Rybakina, who had won 32 of her 43 matches in 2025. Her clay court pedigree, including a 2023 Rome title and a French Open quarterfinal appearance, made the loss particularly surprising. Fans in Rome, expecting a deep run from the sixth seed, were left stunned as Andreescu’s fearless play disrupted Rybakina’s flow. The Canadian, who missed significant time in 2024 due to a stress fracture in her back, has been steadily rebuilding her form. Her victory over Rybakina, her first against a top-10 player since the 2023 Miami Open, signals a return to the form that saw her win the 2019 US Open at age 19.
The match also highlighted the contrasting journeys of the two players. Rybakina, known for her stoic demeanor and powerful groundstrokes, has been a model of consistency, reaching at least the fourth round in every Grand Slam this year. Andreescu, by contrast, has battled physical and mental challenges, with her ranking dipping outside the top 100 last season. Her emotional celebration after the match—pumping her fist and embracing the crowd’s cheers—reflected the significance of the moment. “It’s been a long road, but moments like this make it all worth it,” Andreescu said, her words resonating with fans who have followed her comeback.
As the Internazionali BNL d’Italia progresses, Andreescu advances to face either Petra Martic or Irina-Camelia Begu in the Round of 16, with a potential path to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal since 2021. For Rybakina, the loss is a setback but not a derailment. With the French Open looming on May 25, 2025, she has time to regroup and refine her game. The Rome upset, while disappointing, adds intrigue to the clay season, proving that even the most dominant players are vulnerable to inspired opponents. Andreescu’s triumph, built on resilience and tactical brilliance, sets the stage for a thrilling tournament, with the WTA field wide open as the race to Roland Garros intensifies.
# Elena Rybakina’s Shock Defeat in Rome: Bianca Andreescu Stuns at Internazionali BNL d’Italia
On May 11, 2025, the clay courts of the Foro Italico in Rome witnessed a stunning upset as Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, the world No. 6 and a formidable force in women’s tennis, fell in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Canada’s Bianca Andreescu, a former US Open champion, delivered a masterful performance, defeating Rybakina 2-6, 4-6 in a match that lasted one hour and 49 minutes. The result sent shockwaves through the tournament, halting Rybakina’s quest for a second Rome title and highlighting Andreescu’s resurgence after a challenging year. For fans and analysts, this clash was a reminder of the unpredictable drama that defines elite tennis, with both players showcasing resilience and skill under the Roman sun.
## A Strong Start Fades
Rybakina, a 2023 Rome champion and a consistent Grand Slam contender, entered the match as the favorite, riding a wave of strong performances. Her season had been marked by three WTA titles and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, cementing her reputation as a versatile and powerful player. Against Andreescu, she started strongly, breaking early in the first set to secure a 6-2 victory in just 37 minutes. Her aggressive baseline game and pinpoint serving—evidenced by four aces and a 75% first-serve point win rate—seemed poised to dominate. “I was just trying to stay focused and keep my game plan simple,” Rybakina said, reflecting on her approach. However, Andreescu, ranked No. 31 and battling back from injuries, refused to wilt under pressure, setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround.
## Andreescu’s Tactical Brilliance
The second set saw Andreescu elevate her game, capitalizing on Rybakina’s unforced errors, which totaled 20 by the match’s end. Andreescu’s defensive prowess and ability to mix pace with spin frustrated Rybakina, who struggled to maintain her rhythm. A crucial break at 4-4 gave Andreescu the edge, and she served out the set 6-4, forcing a decider. In the third set, Andreescu’s tenacity shone through as she broke Rybakina twice, overcoming a late surge from the Kazakh to clinch the match 6-4. “I knew it was going to be a tough match, so I just tried to stay loose and take my chances,” Andreescu said, her voice filled with quiet confidence. Her performance, marked by 18 winners and a gritty defensive display, underscored her potential to reclaim her place among the WTA’s elite.
## A Rare Setback for Rybakina
This defeat was a rare stumble for Rybakina, who had won 32 of her 43 matches in 2025. Her clay court pedigree, including a 2023 Rome title and a French Open quarterfinal appearance, made the loss particularly surprising. Fans in Rome, expecting a deep run from the sixth seed, were left stunned as Andreescu’s fearless play disrupted Rybakina’s flow. The Canadian, who missed significant time in 2024 due to a stress fracture in her back, has been steadily rebuilding her form. Her victory over Rybakina, her first against a top-10 player since the 2023 Miami Open, signals a return to the form that saw her win the 2019 US Open at age 19.
## Contrasting Journeys
The match also highlighted the contrasting journeys of the two players. Rybakina, known for her stoic demeanor and powerful groundstrokes, has been a model of consistency, reaching at least the fourth round in every Grand Slam this year. Andreescu, by contrast, has battled physical and mental challenges, with her ranking dipping outside the top 100 last season. Her emotional celebration after the match—pumping her fist and embracing the crowd’s cheers—reflected the significance of the moment. “It’s been a long road, but moments like this make it all worth it,” Andreescu said, her words resonating with fans who have followed her comeback.
## Looking Ahead
As the Internazionali BNL d’Italia progresses, Andreescu advances to face either Petra Martic or Irina-Camelia Begu in the Round of 16, with a potential path to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal since 2021. For Rybakina, the loss is a setback but not a derailment. With the French Open looming on May 25, 2025, she has time to regroup and refine her game. The Rome upset, while disappointing, adds intrigue to the clay season, proving that even the most dominant players are vulnerable to inspired opponents. Andreescu’s triumph, built on resilience and tactical brilliance, sets the stage for a thrilling tournament, with the WTA field wide open as the race to Roland Garros intensifies.
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