Alejandro Davidovich (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP)
The latest live tennis action has wrapped up for Saturday, May 9, with several key results from the Rome Masters. Spanish players enjoyed a successful day, with Alejandro Davidovich, Pablo Llamas, and Martin Landaluce all advancing.
The biggest news of the day in Rome was world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s elimination at the hands of Romanian Sorana Cirstea. The Belarusian lost 6-2, 3-6, 5-7 in a tight three-set match.
In other men’s action, Serbian Hamad Medjedovic edged out Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca in a thrilling finish. After dropping the first set, Medjedovic fought back to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 in a third-set tiebreak, as Fonseca let slip a lead.
Frenchman Arthur Fils retired after just 16 minutes of play, handing Italian Andrea Pellegrino a 4-0 lead and a spot in the next round. American Frances Tiafoe came from behind to defeat Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas 6-7, 6-3, 6-2. Jannik Sinner continued his strong form in Rome, beating Ofner 6-3, 6-4. Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili caused an upset by eliminating American Ben Shelton after more than two hours, winning 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.
Saturday also brought good results for Spanish players. Martin Landaluce defeated Marin Cilic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Pablo Llamas overcame Corentin Moutet in a three-set battle, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6. Earlier in the day, defending champion Jasmine Paolini’s title defense in Rome ended earlier than expected, as the local favorite fell to Elise Mertens in the third round. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner looks to extend his historic winning streak in Masters 1000 tournaments.
Other results included Thomas Machac retiring from his match in Rome, allowing Daniil Medvedev to advance. The day started with four Spanish players in action: Pablo Llamas Ruiz faced Corentin Moutet (11:00 hrs), Martin Landaluce took on Marin Cilic (12:30 hrs), Alejandro Davidovich played Cristian Garín (14:00 hrs), and Roberto Bautista met Brandon Nakashima (15:30 hrs).