Internazionali BNL d’Italia—Rome, Italy

Hurkacz Defeats Nadal in Final Rome Match

No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz ended the hopes of 10-time former winner Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open on Saturday, defeating the Spaniard 6-1, 6-3.

In a match that lasted one hour and 33 minutes, Hurkacz struck nine aces, won 83 percent of his first serve points, hit 22 winners and broke serve on four occasions.

Nadal, who was playing in Rome for the last time, will now make the decision if he will participate in the French Open for the final time in two weeks.

The Spaniard has recorded a 5-3 record on clay this season so far.

Hurkacz will next face Tomas Martin Etcheverry for a place in the fourth round.

Other winners on the day included No. 14 Tommy Paul, No. 21 seed Nicolas Jarry and Hamad Medjedovic.

Osaka Advances

On the women’s side, four-time winner Naomi Osaka continued her great form by dispatching No. 10 seed Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-3.

Top seed Iga Swiatek rolled past Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-4, Paula Badosa reached the fourth round with a three set victory over Diana Shnaider, and former three-time Major winner Angelique Kerber defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets.

Sunday’s action in Rome will see top seed Novak Djokovic and No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka highlight the schedule.

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