2020 Rome September 22, 2020

In pictures: The story of Rome 2020

From Victoria Azarenka's compassion for a stricken Daria Kasatkina to Simona Halep's long-awaited first title in the Foro Italico, all the best pictures from the opening days of the 2020 Internazionali BNL d'Italia.

Former World No.10 Daria Kasatkina came through qualifying at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia for the loss of just five games in two matches over Arina Rodionova and Gabriela Dabrowski. — 01 /76

Former World No.10 Daria Kasatkina came through qualifying at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia for the loss of just five games in two matches over Arina Rodionova and Gabriela Dabrowski.

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Playing Rome for the first time since 2016, Lyon runner-up Anna-Lena Friedsam defeated Martina Di Giuseppe in her first qualifying match but then fell to Irina-Camelia Begu. — 02 /76

Playing Rome for the first time since 2016, Lyon runner-up Anna-Lena Friedsam defeated Martina Di Giuseppe in her first qualifying match but then fell to Irina-Camelia Begu.

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Anna Kalinskaya upset No.5 qualifying seed Zarina Diyas in three sets, but fell to Aliona Bolsova in the final round of qualifying. — 03 /76

Anna Kalinskaya upset No.5 qualifying seed Zarina Diyas in three sets, but fell to Aliona Bolsova in the final round of qualifying.

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Making her Rome debut, 19-year-old Kaja Juvan upset No.3 qualifying seed Lauren Davis 6-4, 6-1 in her first match, then made the main draw with a 6-2, 6-3 defeat of 17-year-old wildcard Melania Delai. — 04 /76

Making her Rome debut, 19-year-old Kaja Juvan upset No.3 qualifying seed Lauren Davis 6-4, 6-1 in her first match, then made the main draw with a 6-2, 6-3 defeat of 17-year-old wildcard Melania Delai.

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Last year's runner-up Johanna Konta sprints on the grounds during pre-tournament training. — 05 /76

Last year's runner-up Johanna Konta sprints on the grounds during pre-tournament training.

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Kicking off the main draw, Elena Rybakina meted out some Roman revenge on Ekaterina Alexandrova, who had beaten the No.10 seed twice in 2020 so far but here was on the wrong end of a one-sided 6-0, 6-4 scoreline. — 06 /76

Kicking off the main draw, Elena Rybakina meted out some Roman revenge on Ekaterina Alexandrova, who had beaten the No.10 seed twice in 2020 so far but here was on the wrong end of a one-sided 6-0, 6-4 scoreline.

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Anastasija Sevastova's only two wins in 2020 coming into Rome had been high-profile three-setters over Serena Williams and Coco Gauff, and the Latvian sought a third against wildcard Jasmine Paolini.

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However, Paolini was in control throughout a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Sevastova to post her first win at the Foro Italico. — 08 /76

However, Paolini was in control throughout a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Sevastova to post her first win at the Foro Italico.

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Zhang Shuai takes a breather during her first-round clash with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. — 09 /76

Zhang Shuai takes a breather during her first-round clash with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

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Pavlyuchenkova served for the match over Zhang in the second set, but eventually needed three sets to complete her first victory of the Tour resumption. — 10 /76

Pavlyuchenkova served for the match over Zhang in the second set, but eventually needed three sets to complete her first victory of the Tour resumption.

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A popcorn first round found Amanda Anisimova net a smash on her first match point against Donna Vekic, and eventually have to save triple set point in the second set before closing out the narrow win 7-6(4), 7-6(6). — 11 /76

A popcorn first round found Amanda Anisimova net a smash on her first match point against Donna Vekic, and eventually have to save triple set point in the second set before closing out the narrow win 7-6(4), 7-6(6).

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Marie Bouzkova got off to a flying start in her first appearance in Rome, defeating Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets to kick off her campaign. — 12 /76

Marie Bouzkova got off to a flying start in her first appearance in Rome, defeating Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets to kick off her campaign.

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Anna Blinkova, another Rome debutante, pulled off a Swiss double, defeating Stefanie Voegele in the last round of qualifying and Jil Teichmann in the first round of the main draw. — 13 /76

Anna Blinkova, another Rome debutante, pulled off a Swiss double, defeating Stefanie Voegele in the last round of qualifying and Jil Teichmann in the first round of the main draw.

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Former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko held her first game of the Tour resumption despite serving three double faults, but would deliver 15 in total against Magda Linette. — 14 /76

Former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko held her first game of the Tour resumption despite serving three double faults, but would deliver 15 in total against Magda Linette.

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Hua Hin champion Linette recovered from an early break down to seal a 6-4, 6-3 first-round victory over Ostapenko. — 15 /76

Hua Hin champion Linette recovered from an early break down to seal a 6-4, 6-3 first-round victory over Ostapenko.

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Hsieh Su-Wei was also playing her first match of the Tour resumption, and faced US Open quarterfinalist Elise Mertens in the first round. — 16 /76

Hsieh Su-Wei was also playing her first match of the Tour resumption, and faced US Open quarterfinalist Elise Mertens in the first round.

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No.11 seed Mertens was too solid for doubles World No.1 Hsieh and emerged a 6-3, 6-1 victor - the Belgian's first career win in Rome. — 17 /76

No.11 seed Mertens was too solid for doubles World No.1 Hsieh and emerged a 6-3, 6-1 victor - the Belgian's first career win in Rome.

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Danka Kovinic had a quick turnaround between her Istanbul quarterfinal on Friday and first Rome match on Saturday, but having come through qualifying needed just 63 minutes to rout Julia Goerges 6-1, 6-0 in the first round. — 18 /76

Danka Kovinic had a quick turnaround between her Istanbul quarterfinal on Friday and first Rome match on Saturday, but having come through qualifying needed just 63 minutes to rout Julia Goerges 6-1, 6-0 in the first round.

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Qualifier Aliona Bolsova saved a match point in Day 1's longest match, upsetting No.13 seed Alison Riske 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3 in two hours and 52 minutes - the Spaniard's first career Top 30 win. — 19 /76

Qualifier Aliona Bolsova saved a match point in Day 1's longest match, upsetting No.13 seed Alison Riske 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3 in two hours and 52 minutes - the Spaniard's first career Top 30 win.

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Dayana Yastremska had lost from match point up to Camila Giorgi twice in three previous meetings, including a month ago in Palermo, and squandered another in the second set of their opener here - but to her relief closed out the win 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4. — 20 /76

Dayana Yastremska had lost from match point up to Camila Giorgi twice in three previous meetings, including a month ago in Palermo, and squandered another in the second set of their opener here - but to her relief closed out the win 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4.

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Fresh off the US Open final, former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka was still in chipper mood as she arrived at the Foro Italico to train with coach Dorian Descloix. — 21 /76

Fresh off the US Open final, former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka was still in chipper mood as she arrived at the Foro Italico to train with coach Dorian Descloix.

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Katerina Siniakova started the second day of main draw action with a 6-3, 6-1 upset of No.15 seed Angelique Kerber - the Czech's first win over Kerber in four goes, and her first Top 30 win since beating Naomi Osaka at Roland Garros 2019. — 22 /76

Katerina Siniakova started the second day of main draw action with a 6-3, 6-1 upset of No.15 seed Angelique Kerber - the Czech's first win over Kerber in four goes, and her first Top 30 win since beating Naomi Osaka at Roland Garros 2019.

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Elina Svitolina is more used to facing Simona Halep on the singles court, but the pair were pitted against each other in the first round of doubles, with Svitolina partnering Ukrainian compatriot Dayana Yastremska for the second time this year. — 23 /76

Elina Svitolina is more used to facing Simona Halep on the singles court, but the pair were pitted against each other in the first round of doubles, with Svitolina partnering Ukrainian compatriot Dayana Yastremska for the second time this year.

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Halep also teamed up with a compatriot, Monica Niculescu, and the Romanians were ruthless in dispatching the Ukrainians 6-0, 6-1. — 24 /76

Halep also teamed up with a compatriot, Monica Niculescu, and the Romanians were ruthless in dispatching the Ukrainians 6-0, 6-1.

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In a first-round upset, qualifier Arantxa Rus fended off three fightbacks from a break down in the first set from Iga Swiatek, but eventually came through 7-6(5), 6-3. — 25 /76

In a first-round upset, qualifier Arantxa Rus fended off three fightbacks from a break down in the first set from Iga Swiatek, but eventually came through 7-6(5), 6-3.

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A quarterfinalist last year, Marketa Vondrousova successfully held off a surging qualifier, eking out a tight third set over Misaki Doi 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. — 26 /76

A quarterfinalist last year, Marketa Vondrousova successfully held off a surging qualifier, eking out a tight third set over Misaki Doi 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

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Early on Wednesday Elise Mertens continued her strong run of form by overcoming Magda Linette in straight sets. — 27 /76

Early on Wednesday Elise Mertens continued her strong run of form by overcoming Magda Linette in straight sets.

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Home favorite Jasmine Paolini serves against WTA World No.2 Simona Halep. — 28 /76

Home favorite Jasmine Paolini serves against WTA World No.2 Simona Halep.

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Darren Cahill, the coach of the Romanian, watches on as his charge battled through to the last 16 in straight sets. — 29 /76

Darren Cahill, the coach of the Romanian, watches on as his charge battled through to the last 16 in straight sets.

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US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka limbered up for her first-round match with Venus Williams in a setting very different from Flushing Meadows. — 30 /76

US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka limbered up for her first-round match with Venus Williams in a setting very different from Flushing Meadows.

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Azarenka, the 2013 Rome runner-up, battled through two long sets with Venus Williams before advancing and completing the second-round lineup. — 31 /76

Azarenka, the 2013 Rome runner-up, battled through two long sets with Venus Williams before advancing and completing the second-round lineup.

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Venus Williams was the 1999 Rome singles champion, 21 years ago. The 40-year-old legend tussled with Azarenka for over two hours before falling in two tough sets. — 32 /76

Venus Williams was the 1999 Rome singles champion, 21 years ago. The 40-year-old legend tussled with Azarenka for over two hours before falling in two tough sets.

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No.10 seed Elena Rybakina continued to battle past challenging opposition during the week, making it into the round of 16 after beating Marie Bouzkova in two tight sets. — 33 /76

No.10 seed Elena Rybakina continued to battle past challenging opposition during the week, making it into the round of 16 after beating Marie Bouzkova in two tight sets.

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Dayana Yastremska notched an impressive comeback win over Amanda Anisimova in the second round. Anisimova served for the match at 6-4, 5-4, before Yastremska stormed all the way back to victory. — 34 /76

Dayana Yastremska notched an impressive comeback win over Amanda Anisimova in the second round. Anisimova served for the match at 6-4, 5-4, before Yastremska stormed all the way back to victory.

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Karolina Pliskova kicked off her title defense in style, dispatching her fellow Czech Barbora Strycova with matching 6-3 sets to claim a third-round spot. — 35 /76

Karolina Pliskova kicked off her title defense in style, dispatching her fellow Czech Barbora Strycova with matching 6-3 sets to claim a third-round spot.

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In Wednesday's nightcap, two-time Rome champion Elina Svitolina moved past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to reach the round of 16. It was Svitolina's first WTA match since she won the Monterrey title in March. — 36 /76

In Wednesday's nightcap, two-time Rome champion Elina Svitolina moved past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to reach the round of 16. It was Svitolina's first WTA match since she won the Monterrey title in March.

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2018 Rome semifinalist Anett Kontaveit took a set lead over two-time runner-up Svetlana Kuznetsova as second-round action continued on Thursday. — 37 /76

2018 Rome semifinalist Anett Kontaveit took a set lead over two-time runner-up Svetlana Kuznetsova as second-round action continued on Thursday.

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However, Kuznetsova rebounded to triumph in the latest clay epic of her storied career, defeating Kontaveit 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 45 minutes. — 38 /76

However, Kuznetsova rebounded to triumph in the latest clay epic of her storied career, defeating Kontaveit 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 45 minutes.

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A much-anticipated second-round clash found 16-year-old prodigy Coco Gauff taking on former Roland Garros champion Garbiñe Muguruza. — 39 /76

A much-anticipated second-round clash found 16-year-old prodigy Coco Gauff taking on former Roland Garros champion Garbiñe Muguruza.

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Muguruza trailed Gauff in the first-set tiebreak and 0-2 in the deciding set, but asserted her champion's authority to find a higher level at key moments for the win. — 40 /76

Muguruza trailed Gauff in the first-set tiebreak and 0-2 in the deciding set, but asserted her champion's authority to find a higher level at key moments for the win.

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Meanwhile, Yulia Putintseva followed her marathon win over Petra Martic at the US Open with an even longer one, missing a match point for a 6-3, 6-1 victory and eventually pulling through 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 in exactly three hours. — 41 /76

Meanwhile, Yulia Putintseva followed her marathon win over Petra Martic at the US Open with an even longer one, missing a match point for a 6-3, 6-1 victory and eventually pulling through 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 in exactly three hours.

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Finding her feet on clay, last year's Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova posted back-to-back wins for the first time since January with a straight-sets defeat of Arantxa Rus. — 42 /76

Finding her feet on clay, last year's Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova posted back-to-back wins for the first time since January with a straight-sets defeat of Arantxa Rus.

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Seventh seed Johanna Konta, whose stellar 2019 clay run was highlighted by a Rome final showing, made a lightning start to her campaign, dropping just four games to Irina-Camelia Begu. — 43 /76

Seventh seed Johanna Konta, whose stellar 2019 clay run was highlighted by a Rome final showing, made a lightning start to her campaign, dropping just four games to Irina-Camelia Begu.

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Polona Hercog had not beaten a Top 10 player since 2012, and had lost 31 of her 32 meetings with them - albeit seven of the last 10 in three sets - but snapped the drought with a 6-4, 6-4 upset of fifth seed Kiki Bertens. — 44 /76

Polona Hercog had not beaten a Top 10 player since 2012, and had lost 31 of her 32 meetings with them - albeit seven of the last 10 in three sets - but snapped the drought with a 6-4, 6-4 upset of fifth seed Kiki Bertens.

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Victoria Azarenka, who has discussed her newfound relaxed positivity on court as a factor in her resurgence, has a zen moment during a changeover. — 45 /76

Victoria Azarenka, who has discussed her newfound relaxed positivity on court as a factor in her resurgence, has a zen moment during a changeover.

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On court, though, Azarenka was hungry and ruthless for every point, dominating her US Open doubles partner Sofia Kenin for a remarkable 6-0, 6-0 win. — 46 /76

On court, though, Azarenka was hungry and ruthless for every point, dominating her US Open doubles partner Sofia Kenin for a remarkable 6-0, 6-0 win.

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Australian Open winner Kenin's loss to Azarenka was just the second time in the Open Era that a reigning Grand Slam champion had been double bagelled, following Maria Sharapova's loss to Lindsay Davenport at Indian Wells 2005. — 47 /76

Australian Open winner Kenin's loss to Azarenka was just the second time in the Open Era that a reigning Grand Slam champion had been double bagelled, following Maria Sharapova's loss to Lindsay Davenport at Indian Wells 2005.

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Elise Mertens had her hands full with qualifier Danka Kovinic in the third round, but rebounded from a 0-3 start to defeat the Montenegrin 6-4, 6-4. — 48 /76

Elise Mertens had her hands full with qualifier Danka Kovinic in the third round, but rebounded from a 0-3 start to defeat the Montenegrin 6-4, 6-4.

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Anna Blinkova was another qualifier bidding for her first Premier 5 quarterfinal appearance, and also started by breaking Karolina Pliskova. — 49 /76

Anna Blinkova was another qualifier bidding for her first Premier 5 quarterfinal appearance, and also started by breaking Karolina Pliskova.

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Defending champion Pliskova was nonetheless able to power into her third quarterfinal at the Foro Italico with a straight-sets defeat of Blinkova. — 50 /76

Defending champion Pliskova was nonetheless able to power into her third quarterfinal at the Foro Italico with a straight-sets defeat of Blinkova.

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A first meeting between Dayana Yastremska and top seed Simona Halep in the third round was an intriguing clash of styles. — 51 /76

A first meeting between Dayana Yastremska and top seed Simona Halep in the third round was an intriguing clash of styles.

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Halep fell behind 0-3 in the first set, but reeled Yastremska in for a quality 7-5, 6-4 win to reach her fifth Rome quarterfinal. — 52 /76

Halep fell behind 0-3 in the first set, but reeled Yastremska in for a quality 7-5, 6-4 win to reach her fifth Rome quarterfinal.

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A high-quality contest between Daria Kasatkina and Victoria Azarenka ended unfortunately after the Russian, who had been playing her best tennis in some time, went over on her ankle in the first-set tiebreak. — 53 /76

A high-quality contest between Daria Kasatkina and Victoria Azarenka ended unfortunately after the Russian, who had been playing her best tennis in some time, went over on her ankle in the first-set tiebreak.

Giampiero Sposito

Azarenka's compassion and empathy shone through as the Belarusian comforted Kasatkina, who responded that she had been inspired by Azarenka's recent resurgence. — 54 /76

Azarenka's compassion and empathy shone through as the Belarusian comforted Kasatkina, who responded that she had been inspired by Azarenka's recent resurgence.

Giampiero Sposito

In the quarterfinals, Azarenka will face Garbiñe Muguruza, who defeated Johanna Konta 6-4, 6-1 - the pair's first straight-sets contest out of five total - to reach her sixth quarterfinal of 2020. — 55 /76

In the quarterfinals, Azarenka will face Garbiñe Muguruza, who defeated Johanna Konta 6-4, 6-1 - the pair's first straight-sets contest out of five total - to reach her sixth quarterfinal of 2020.

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A superb early-evening contest found two-time Rome finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova bidding for her sixth quarterfinal at the Foro Italico against two-time champion Elina Svitolina. — 56 /76

A superb early-evening contest found two-time Rome finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova bidding for her sixth quarterfinal at the Foro Italico against two-time champion Elina Svitolina.

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Svitolina needed all of her match sharpness to overcome the battling Kuznetsova, closing the first set on her fifth set point and the second on her fourth match point to seal a 7-6(6), 6-4 win, her fourth in five clashes with the Russian. — 57 /76

Svitolina needed all of her match sharpness to overcome the battling Kuznetsova, closing the first set on her fifth set point and the second on her fourth match point to seal a 7-6(6), 6-4 win, her fourth in five clashes with the Russian.

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Friday's final third-round clash was another epic - though it didn't seem as if it would be at first, as Polona Hercog hit top form to dominate the first set 6-1 against Marketa Vondrousova. — 58 /76

Friday's final third-round clash was another epic - though it didn't seem as if it would be at first, as Polona Hercog hit top form to dominate the first set 6-1 against Marketa Vondrousova.

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Vondrousova responded in kind, taking the second set 6-1 and advancing to a 4-1 lead in the third, but eventually needed a tight, tense deciding tiebreak to triumph 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(6) over Hercog in two hours and 23 minutes. — 59 /76

Vondrousova responded in kind, taking the second set 6-1 and advancing to a 4-1 lead in the third, but eventually needed a tight, tense deciding tiebreak to triumph 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(6) over Hercog in two hours and 23 minutes.

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Simona Halep is into her fifth Rome semifinal as Yulia Putintseva was forced to retire hurt. — 60 /76

Simona Halep is into her fifth Rome semifinal as Yulia Putintseva was forced to retire hurt.

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The calm before the storm: US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka focuses during her meeting with Garbiñe Muguruza. — 61 /76

The calm before the storm: US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka focuses during her meeting with Garbiñe Muguruza.

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The Spaniard prevailed over three sets to reach the final four. — 62 /76

The Spaniard prevailed over three sets to reach the final four.

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Marketa Vondrousova had her eye on the afternoon’s action before her match with Elina Svitolina. — 63 /76

Marketa Vondrousova had her eye on the afternoon’s action before her match with Elina Svitolina.

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The Ukrainian, a two-time Rome winner, was also keeping tabs on how things on court were progressing. — 64 /76

The Ukrainian, a two-time Rome winner, was also keeping tabs on how things on court were progressing.

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Vondrousova claimed the victory when the two players were given their opportunity, racing to a straight-sets victory. — 65 /76

Vondrousova claimed the victory when the two players were given their opportunity, racing to a straight-sets victory.

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Defending champion Karolina Pliskova survived a second-set hiccup to overcome Elise Mertens in three. — 66 /76

Defending champion Karolina Pliskova survived a second-set hiccup to overcome Elise Mertens in three.

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The first semifinal was a heavyweight clash between former World No.1s and Roland Garros champions Garbiñe Muguruza and Simona Halep, which lived up to its billing over a pulsating two hours and 17 minutes. — 67 /76

The first semifinal was a heavyweight clash between former World No.1s and Roland Garros champions Garbiñe Muguruza and Simona Halep, which lived up to its billing over a pulsating two hours and 17 minutes.

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It was Halep who held off a late surge from Muguruza in the third set to advance to her third final at the Foro Italico - and this time without the prospect of facing Elina Svitolina, the Romanian's conqueror in the previous two. — 68 /76

It was Halep who held off a late surge from Muguruza in the third set to advance to her third final at the Foro Italico - and this time without the prospect of facing Elina Svitolina, the Romanian's conqueror in the previous two.

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An intriguing all-Czech clash in the second semifinal pitted Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova against defending champion Karolina Pliskova for the second time. — 69 /76

An intriguing all-Czech clash in the second semifinal pitted Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova against defending champion Karolina Pliskova for the second time.

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Pliskova asserted her place in the national pecking order over Vondrousova for a 6-2, 6-4 win, dropping one less game than in their Miami meeting last year, to make her second straight Rome final. — 70 /76

Pliskova asserted her place in the national pecking order over Vondrousova for a 6-2, 6-4 win, dropping one less game than in their Miami meeting last year, to make her second straight Rome final.

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Playing their first tournament as a team, the unseeded Anna-Lena Friedsam and Raluca Olaru were runners-up in doubles after winning consecutive super-tiebreaks over Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera, then Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara, to make the final. — 71 /76

Playing their first tournament as a team, the unseeded Anna-Lena Friedsam and Raluca Olaru were runners-up in doubles after winning consecutive super-tiebreaks over Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera, then Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara, to make the final.

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But it was the reunited Hsieh Su-Wei and Barbora Strycova who picked up where they left off, winning their ninth title together (and fourth of the year) without dropping a set to extend their 2020 record to 21-1. — 72 /76

But it was the reunited Hsieh Su-Wei and Barbora Strycova who picked up where they left off, winning their ninth title together (and fourth of the year) without dropping a set to extend their 2020 record to 21-1.

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The final was sadly cut short when Karolina Pliskova, having visibly struggled through the first set, retired trailing Simona Halep 6-0, 2-1 due to a left thigh injury. — 73 /76

The final was sadly cut short when Karolina Pliskova, having visibly struggled through the first set, retired trailing Simona Halep 6-0, 2-1 due to a left thigh injury.

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Halep, twice a runner-up in Rome to Elina Svitolina in 2017 and 2018, was nonetheless delighted to finally get her hands on one of the few significant claycourt trophies missing from her collection. — 74 /76

Halep, twice a runner-up in Rome to Elina Svitolina in 2017 and 2018, was nonetheless delighted to finally get her hands on one of the few significant claycourt trophies missing from her collection.

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The result marks Halep's 22nd career title, ninth on clay and 10th at Premier 5 level or higher, while Pliskova can be proud of her third career clay final at Premier level or above. — 75 /76

The result marks Halep's 22nd career title, ninth on clay and 10th at Premier 5 level or higher, while Pliskova can be proud of her third career clay final at Premier level or above.

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Halep is now on a 14-match winning streak, having also won Dubai just before the Tour shutdown and Prague last month, matching her career-best unbeaten stretch in 2015 encompassing titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, then the Miami semifinals. — 76 /76

Halep is now on a 14-match winning streak, having also won Dubai just before the Tour shutdown and Prague last month, matching her career-best unbeaten stretch in 2015 encompassing titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, then the Miami semifinals.

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