Rain Dampens Play At Rome Masters, Osaka Wins; Nadal, Swiatek, Gauff On Thurs. Schedule

Rains shut down the Rome Masters early on Wednesday leaving a backlog of matches still to finish.

The men did begin their first round with Italians Flavio Cobolli and Luca Darderi advancing.

French favorite Gael Monfils was ousted by qualifier Thiago Monteiro and former finalist Diego Schwartzman fell to Aleksandar Vukic.

Tomorrow, 10-time champion Rafael Nadal opens what could very well be his final Rome Masters against Belgian Zizou Bergs.

“I have been a few days at home, then arrived here on Saturday,” Nadal said on Wednesday to the ATP. “I was able more or less to practice well the past few days. I’m excited to be playing in Rome. It’s a tournament that brings me back to a lot of unforgettable memories. My third week almost in a row on the Tour, third tournament in a row. That didn’t happen since a super long time ago. That’s good news.

“Madrid was a good test for me playing I think two days in a row, one match over three hours. My feelings are better always. In terms of tennis, too. Why not? I am here to try my best.”

If Nadal can win, he would face Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday.

Italians Mateo Arnaldi, Lorenzo Sonego and Fabio Fognini are also featured.

In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka made a rousing return easing past dangerous Frenchwoman Clara Burel 7-6(2), 6-1. Osaka failed to serve out the first set at 5-3 but avoid trouble taking the breaker.

“I think obviously I was up 5-3, I was serving for the set, and I lost that,” Osaka said to the WTA. “I think just being able to hang in there and eventually close it on my terms is something that I’m very proud of myself for. I obviously played a lot better in the second set. I’m hoping that when I play my match tomorrow, I’m able to learn from the mistakes that I did today and apply them better.”

Fellow Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin was also a winner.

The women’s second round gets underway Thursday with tournament favorite Iga Swiatek in action along with Coco Gauff and Osaka is back to face the in-form Marta Kostyuk.

You Might Like:
Rain Washes Out Wed. Schedule In Rome Forcing Big 3 To Double-up Thurs.
Sabalenka Survives 3 MPs, Gauff Wins In 3 At Rome Masters; Swiatek v Keys QF
Naomi Osaka, Ash Barty Headline Cincinnati Masters Field
Swiatek Rolls In Miami, Will Face Gauff Monday; Azarenka Walks Off
Sakkari Avoids Choke, Sets Indian Wells Final Rematch With Swiatek