Aryna Sabalenka faced an early shock at the Italian Open today, losing 7-6, 6-2 to American Sofia Kenin in a thrilling second-round match. Sabalenka's serve faltered early in her first match since winning the Madrid Open last week, as she squandered three break point opportunities against Kenin before managing to tie the first set at 4-4.
The players exchanged breaks again, pushing the set to a tiebreak where Kenin showcased glimpses of the form that characterized her successful run at the 2020 Australian Open, taking an early lead after an easy error from Sabalenka. Kenin doubled her advantage, but having dropped to rank 134 due to illness and injuries, she held on to win, finishing the match with a notable victory.
