Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the Italian Open third round after a dominant 6-2 6-3 win over Barbora Krejcikova, showcasing her trademark power with 26 winners in a swift 1 hour 24-minute match. The world No 1 seized an early break in the first set, capitalizing on Krejcikova’s unforced errors to establish a 4-2 lead before closing out the encounter. Despite a brief scare when Krejcikova broke her serve in the opening game, Sabalenka steadied her composure, delivering back-to-back breaks to take control.

Her victory sets up a clash with world No 27 Sorana Cirstea, who earlier dispatched Tatjana Maria in straight sets. Sabalenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, remains winless at the Italian Open after a 2025 final loss to Iga Swiatek, a result that continues to haunt her Grand Slam record.