On May 9, 2025, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion, electrified the red clay of Rome’s Foro Italico with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over world No. 34 Anastasia Potapova in the second round of the Italian Open. The 63-minute masterclass showcased Sabalenka’s relentless power and precision, extending her remarkable 2025 WTA 1000 win streak to 13 matches and solidifying her status as a clay-court force. With this win, the Belarusian sets up a tantalizing third-round clash with former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin, promising a battle of grit and glory.
Sabalenka, fresh off her third Madrid Open title, arrived in Rome as the top seed and a favorite to challenge for the trophy. Her match against Potapova, a formidable Russian with a versatile game, was anything but a routine opener. Yet, Sabalenka’s dominance was evident from the first point. She unleashed 18 winners, including punishing forehands that clocked among the fastest of the tournament, and kept unforced errors to a mere nine. “I was focused on executing my game plan and staying aggressive,” Sabalenka said post-match, her intensity mirrored by the roar of the Campo Centrale crowd. Her serve, a weapon honed over years, was unassailable, dropping just five points and facing no break points.
The match was a stark contrast to Sabalenka’s 2024 Rome campaign, where she fell to Kenin in straight sets, marking her only early exit of that year’s clay season. Reflecting on her growth, Sabalenka noted, “I’ve worked hard to adapt to clay, and it’s paying off.” Her 2025 season has been a testament to that evolution, with a 32-5 record, including titles in Brisbane and Miami, and a runner-up finish at the Australian Open. Her Madrid triumph over Coco Gauff, a 6-3, 7-6(3) thriller, showcased her ability to blend raw power with newfound patience on clay. In Rome, she’s lost just one match across three tournaments, a statistic that underscores her consistency at the WTA 1000 level.
Potapova, ranked 34th, entered the match with confidence after a solid clay season, but Sabalenka’s onslaught left her with little room to counter. The Russian managed only one break point, which Sabalenka swiftly erased with a blistering ace. “She’s just too good at the moment,” Potapova acknowledged, echoing sentiments shared across the tour. Sabalenka’s seven-match winning streak, coupled with her 5-0 record against top-10 opponents this year, makes her a daunting prospect as the French Open looms.
The upcoming third-round match against Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, adds intrigue to Sabalenka’s Rome journey. Kenin, currently ranked outside the top 100, has battled injuries but remains a dangerous floater with a knack for upsets. Their 2024 Rome encounter saw Kenin exploit Sabalenka’s occasional lapses, winning 6-4, 6-3. “It’s always a tough fight against Sofia. She brings incredible energy,” Sabalenka said, hinting at the respect she holds for her opponent. Kenin advanced after defeating Ons Jabeur 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, a gritty performance that signals her intent to reclaim her place among the elite.
Sabalenka’s Rome campaign is about more than just another title—it’s a chance to cement her dominance on clay, a surface where she’s historically trailed rival Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, the three-time Rome champion, looms as a potential final opponent, with their 2024 Rome final—a 6-2, 6-3 Swiatek rout—still fresh in Sabalenka’s mind. “I love this city, the food, the history,” Sabalenka said, her affection for Rome fueling her drive. Her ability to mix drop shots, slices, and net play, as seen in her 2024 semifinal run here, has added depth to her game, making her a complete player, as Swiatek herself has noted.
As Sabalenka prepares for Kenin, the tennis world buzzes with anticipation. Her 2024 US Open and Australian Open titles, coupled with a WTA year-end No. 1 ranking, have established her as the player to beat. Yet, Rome’s red clay demands resilience, and Sabalenka’s ability to stay composed—evident in her calm net exchange with Potapova—signals a mental fortitude that could carry her far. With a 30-1 record after winning the first set in 2025, Sabalenka’s path to the title looks promising, but Kenin’s Grand Slam pedigree ensures a fierce test. For now, Sabalenka’s Rome redemption tour is in full swing, and the tennis world can’t look away.
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