Former French Champs Muguruza, Ostapenko Roll In Rome; Serena, Osaka On Court Tomorrow

A pair of former French Open champions rolled on a rainy Tuesday at the Rome Masters.

Garbine Muguruza cruised past Patricia Maria Tig 6-1, 6-2. Muguruza has never made the finals in Rome, reaching the semifinals three times.

“It was a weird day,” Muguruza said. “I woke up sunny, had an opponent. Then it turned out I had another opponent and it was raining the whole match. Yeah, we had a little bit of everything.

“Rome, it’s such a familiar tournament. I played here so many times. I’ve had nice matches. I love this clay, the red clay. It’s familiar to me. Just looking forward to get as many matches as possible.”

In the evening under the lights, Jelena Ostapenko crushed Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-1.

Angelique Kerber advanced past Alize Cornet 6-2, 7-5. Madison Keys topped countrywoman Sloane Stephens 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 and Veronika Kudermetova authored the upset of the day on the women’s side beating Elise Mertens 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

2020 French semifinalist Nadia Podoroska also won beating Laura Siegemund 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-1. Podoroska now draws Serena Williams tomorrow.

“She is one of my idols,” Podoroska said. “It’s an honor play against her. I’m glad that I have the opportunity. Of course, I believe in my game. I know exactly what I have to do tomorrow. But for sure I want to enjoy the match.”

Also on Wednesday, Naomi Osaka, Sofia Kenin, 2-time winner Elina Svitolina, Ash Barty and defending champion Simona Halep are also in action. Osaka will face the tricky American Jessica Pegula while Svitolina meets Amanda Anisimova.

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