Andreeva’s Aggressive Game Secures first Rome Win

Mirra Andreeva, the 18-year-old tennis prodigy, secured her first main-draw win at the internazionali d’Italia, defeating qualifier Emiliana Arango 6-2, 6-4.The No. 7-seeded Andreeva, known for her aggressive style, acknowledged the challenges Arango presented.

Andreeva, who turned 18 at the end of April, has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming the youngest player to break into the WTA Top 10 in nearly two decades. Her game, characterized by a high number of winners and unforced errors, reflects her unapologetic approach.

Despite the victory, Andreeva admitted that Arango’s style of play, which involves grinding and returning many balls, was not her preferred matchup. She likes to grind and she puts a lot of balls back in the court, Andreeva said. For me, I find it not so comfortable — it’s not like I have a choice. I have to create something on the court.

Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez, initially appeared concerned when Arango broke Andreeva’s serve twice at the start of the second set. However,Andreeva adjusted her strategy,opening up the court with three or four shots instead of the usual one or two,often winning points with a flat,fast backhand or a forceful forehand.

The difference in converting break points proved crucial,with Andreeva capitalizing on six of 10 opportunities compared to Arango’s three of nine. Andreeva finished the match with 28 winners and 31 unforced errors, staying true to her aggressive profile.

Only World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has more victories (19) in WTA 1000s this year than Andreeva (18).

Andreeva will face No. 30 Linda Noskova in the third round, a player she has defeated in two of their three previous encounters. Every time we played it was a very tough battle, Andreeva said. She’s also a teenager,very powerful player. It’s a nice matchup and I think it’s going to be entertaining for people.

Notably, this victory marked Andreeva’s ninth consecutive win against players ranked outside the top 50, with her last loss to a lower-ranked opponent occurring against her older sister, Erika, last fall in Wuhan. Arango’s loss marked her third defeat against Top 10 players.

Raducanu Returns to Rome with a Dominant win

Emma Raducanu, another former teenage phenomenon, secured her first win in Rome with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over lucky loser Jil Teichmann. This win marks a significant moment for Raducanu, whose career has been hampered by injuries and illness since her 2021 US Open triumph.

Raducanu’s only previous appearance in Rome ended in a retirement in 2022 against Bianca Andreescu, making this victory even more meaningful. She noted that it had been three years since she last played a match on outdoor clay.

Raducanu served effectively,winning 33 of 52 service points,hitting six aces,and facing only one break point. This was only her third match of the season on clay and the 20th of her career.

I always said I think I had the potential to play really well on clay, Raducanu said. I don’t think I’m there yet.But I’m slowly kind of finding my feet. As I use my forehand,use the spins,if the serve improves I’ll be able to be really good on this surface.One benefit I do have is I can play with variation.

Raducanu was originally scheduled to face No. 21 Ekaterina alexandrova, a strong clay-court player, but Alexandrova withdrew due to a right shoulder injury. Teichmann, who had lost in the final round of qualifying to Hailey Baptiste, replaced her as a lucky loser.

Raducanu expressed satisfaction with her ability to quickly adapt from the prospect of playing the right-handed Alexandrova to the left-handed Teichmann.Raducanu now faces Veronika Kudermetova in the third round, after kudermetova’s 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory over Amanda Anisimova.