Japanese star Naomi Osaka powered into the fourth round of the women’s singles at the Rome Open with a commanding straight-sets win over Russia’s Diana Shnaider. The former world No. 1 needed just 50 minutes to secure a 6-1, 6-2 victory, highlighting her increasing confidence on clay courts. Prior to Rome, Osaka had notched decisive wins against Colombia’s Camila Osorio and Ukraine’s Angelina Kalinina on the same surface, with her only clay setback coming against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set battle late last month. In the next round, Osaka will face the winner of the match between Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
In another encounter, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina also advanced to the round of 16, overcoming the Philippines’ Alex Eala 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 32 minutes. Rybakina will now await the victor of the clash between Germany’s Laura Siegemund and Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova.
