Italian Open—Rome, Italy

Shapovalov, Osaka Advance at Italian Open

Wednesday’s action at the Italian Open in Rome saw former world No. 10 Denis Shapovalov crash out of the event, losing to Luciano Darderi 6-7(4), 6-3, 7-6(4).

In a match the lasted three hours and 10 minutes, Darderi hit three aces, won 64 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on six occasions.

Shapovalov defeated Darderi earlier this year at the Miami Open in Florida.

Darderi will next face Mariano Navone for the place in the third round.

Elsewhere, Alexander Shevchenko, Nuno Borges, Flavio Cobolli, Yannick Hanfmann and Zhizhen Zhang all advanced to the second round.

Thiago Monteiro continue his strong season, ousting Gael Monfils 6-2, 7-5 earlier in the day.

Osaka Wins in Rome

On the ladies side, four-time former Major winner Naomi Osaka reached round of 16, dispatching Clara Burel 7-6(2), 6-1.

Osaka, who is returning to the Tour after a year off from having her first child, will face No. 19 seed Marta Kostyuk for a place in the third round.

Other results on the day saw Donna Vekic losing Lesia Tsurenko in three, thrilling sets, and Brenda Fruhvirtova dismissing Taylor Townsend 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.

Thursday’s action in Rome will feature 10-time winner Rafael Nadal, top seed Iga Swiatek and No. 3 seed Coco Gauff.

Watch all the action live this week from Rome on Tennis TV.