The Foro Italico opened its gates with a first day packed with drama and surprises. The opening round of the 2026 Italian Open delivered everything fans could hope for.
Bianca Andreescu produced the most inspiring performance of the day. Entering on a wildcard as the world number 137, the former number 4 from Canada defeated Sofia Kenin 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 46 minutes. Converting five of six break points and hitting five aces, Andreescu proved she remains a force despite the injuries that have derailed her career in recent years. The Canadian got revenge on the American, who knocked her out in Charleston last month. She next faces 12th seed Belinda Bencic.
Leolia Jeanjean delivered the biggest upset of the day, dispatching seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia 7-6(6), 6-4. A statement win for the Frenchwoman, who continues to build momentum on clay after a slow start to the season.
Zheng Qinwen had to battle back from a set down to beat Anna Bondar 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Trailing early, the Chinese star showed the mental fortitude needed to navigate a tricky opener, turning the match around with improved aggression in the second and third sets.
Jelena Ostapenko made the shortest work of her opponent, dispatching home favourite Lucrezia Stefanini 6-0, 6-1 in barely an hour. The former Roland-Garros champion looks sharp on clay and could be a dangerous floater in the top half of the draw.
Other notable results saw Barbora Krejcikova beat Elsa Jacquemot 6-2, 6-4, Katerina Siniakova dispatch Lois Boisson 6-2, 6-3 and Anastasia Zakharova complete the comeback of the day against Dayana Yastremska, saving five match points to prevail 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(6).
