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Iga Swiatek Survives McNally Test as Zverev Advances at Italian Open

Posted : 08 May 2026

Iga Świątek overcame a determined challenge from Caty McNally to secure her place in the third round of the Italian Open with a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 victory in Rome.

The three-time tournament champion recovered quickly after losing her opening service game, winning six consecutive games to dominate the first set. Swiatek looked in complete control when she moved 4-2 ahead in the second set, but McNally mounted an impressive comeback by breaking twice as the Polish star attempted to close out the match.

McNally forced a tiebreak and edged it to push the contest into a deciding set, continuing to frustrate the world-class clay-court specialist. Swiatek regained momentum with an early break in the third set, although the American again fought back to level the score at 3-3.

The Pole eventually steadied herself in the closing stages, winning the final three games to seal the match and visibly celebrate the hard-earned victory. After the contest, Swiatek praised McNally’s performance and admitted patience was key during difficult moments.

The six-time Grand Slam champion is continuing her search for a first clay-court title since winning the French Open in 2024. She will next face either Emma Navarro or Elisabetta Cocciaretto for a place in the last 16.

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Alexandra Eala advanced after defeating China’s Wang Xinyu in straight sets.

The tournament also saw a late withdrawal from Victoria Mboko, who pulled out due to illness. Czech player Nikola Bartunkova entered the draw as a lucky loser replacement.

In the men’s competition, Alexander Zverev moved comfortably into the third round with a straight-sets win over fellow German Daniel Altmaier.

The two-time Rome champion claimed a 7-5, 6-3 victory and continued his strong recent form after reaching the Madrid Open final last week. Zverev remains on the opposite side of the draw from world number one Jannik Sinner, who has defeated him multiple times this season.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is preparing for his first clay-court appearance of the year against Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic. Djokovic has not played since March after taking time away to recover from a shoulder injury.

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