Johanna Konta bounces back, but Victoria Azarenka swept aside by Naomi Osaka

Johanna Konta made light work of Magdalena Rybarikova at the Italian Open while Naomi Osaka easily saw off Victoria Azarenka.
British No 1 Konta faced Rybarikova for the second straight week as the two also battled in the first round at the Madrid Open and the outcome was the same as she won 6-3, 6-4 to set up an encounter against either Hsieh Su-wei or Aryna Sabalenka.
.@JohannaKonta marches into @InteBNLdItalia second round!
Grinds out a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Rybarikova! pic.twitter.com/B8TY2h012i
— WTA (@WTA) May 14, 2018
Indian Wells Masters winner Osaka was too good for two-time Grand Slam winner Azarenka as she claimed a 6-0, 6-3 win over the Belarusian in a clash that lasted just over an hour.
But it doesn’t get any easier for Osaka as she will face world No 1 Simona Halep next.
Carla Suarez Navarro failed to replicate her Spanish run in the Italian capital as she crashed out at the first hurdle.
The 29-year-old, who reached the quarter-finals last week, suffered a 6-1, 6-2 defeat against qualifier Donna Vekic from Croatia.
Vekic’s compatriot Petra Matric advanced with a similar scoreline as she beat Lesia Tsurenko from the Ukraine.
It was also the end of an era as local hero Roberta Vinci went down 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 to Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic in her last match.
Arrivederci, @roberta_vinci!
Thank you for the memories! ???? #ibi18 pic.twitter.com/mvwqtyMmSC
— WTA (@WTA) May 14, 2018
Latest
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic like the battle of Spain against Serbia, says Goran Ivanisevic
Who are you backing to finish top in the race for most Grand Slams?
-
News
Novak Djokovic joins Serena Williams at summit of Slams after 30 club
Serena Williams also won 10 majors after turning 30.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray pulls out of Rotterdam Open after Australian Open exertions
Andy Murray will not take part in the Rotterdam Open in 2023.
-
Grand Slam
GOAT race is an obsession for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic won’t stop until he is the GOAT!
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: What to look forward to in February 2023
The middle-east swing dominates the February schedule for the WTA Tour.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s comments suggest his retirement may be closer than expected
Novak Djokovic’s family may hold the key to how much longer he continues to play at the highest level.
-
Tennis News
John McEnroe calls for Russian players to return to Wimbledon after latest twists
It now seems inevitable that Wimbledon and the LTA will be forced to allow Russian and Belarusian players to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic after latest feat
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam race: Who’s in better shape? What happens next?
Djokovic and Nadal both have 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Iga Swiatek still comfortable at No 1 as Elena Rybakina finally enters the top 10
Your WTA Rankings after the 2023 Australian Open.