The upsetting trend at the Italian Open continued on Friday. Defending finalist and fourth seed Ons Jabeur made her way out after losing her opening-round match at the hands of Paula Badosa. The Spaniard took home a 6-1, 6-4 win after 70 minutes of play.
This was the first tournament the Tunisian was playing since an injury to her calf forced her to quit in her semi-final against Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart, a month ago. Post that, the 28-year-old also missed the Mutua Madrid Open where she was the reigning champion.
Against Jabeur in Italy, Badosa won 67% of her first-serve points and 47% of her second-serve points. The Spaniard also won 61% points on return on her opponent’s second serve. Badosa created 18 break point chances on Jabeur’s serve of which she converted 11.
On her serve, she saved one of the three break points she faced. Following Jabeur’s exit, three of the top four seeds have already been ousted in the second round. Meanwhile, Badosa will play 32nd seed Marta Kostyuk. The Ukrainian Claire Liu 6-0, 6-4 in their round-of-64 match.
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