Elena Rybakina: Elena Rybakina continued her strong 2026 campaign with a straight-sets victory over Alexandra Eala to book a place in the Round of 16 of the Italian Open on Sunday. The former Rome champion secured a 6-4, 6-3 win at the Foro Italico to reach the last 16 in the Italian capital for the fourth time in five appearances and continue her consistent run at WTA 1000 events this season.
Rybakina’s superior power from the baseline proved decisive in her first career meeting against the rising Filipina star. The world No. 2 repeatedly dictated rallies with her heavy forehand and sharp serving, forcing Eala deep behind the baseline and stretching her across the court throughout the contest.
The Kazakh player was particularly dominant off the forehand wing in the opening set, producing a stream of clean winners to take control of the match early. Several of her most damaging shots came down the line, including a series of aggressive winners that prevented Eala from settling into long rallies.
