Rome PHOTOS: Vika arrives in Rome, first round kicks off

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Main-draw action started on Monday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Our photographer Jimmie48 attended a half of today’s first-round matches and caught up with a number of top players who are awaiting their openers in Rome.

No.16 seed Donna Vekic is one of two seeded players who fell on Day 1, being edged by unseeded Amanda Anisimova in two tiebreaks, 7-6(4) 7-6(6). The seeding situation is kind of awkward in this case as the world No.27 Anisimova is actually ranked higher at the moment, following her slight post-US Open ranking rise as opposed to Vekic’s drop.

The other upset was produced by qualifier Aliona Bolsova, who eliminated 13th seed Alison Riske in three sets, 5-7 7-6(4) 6-3.

No.10 seed Elena Rybakina, the highest seed in action on Monday, lost just four games against Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 6-4, just as 11th seed Elise Mertens against Hsieh Su-Wei 6-3 6-1.

Magda Linette beat 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko on the Roman clay in straight sets 6-4 6-3.

The sighting of the day was US Open runner-up Victoria Azarenka, who has just arrived from New York. Simona Halep, Belinda Bencic, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens were all chatting with the media as they’re awaiting their second-round matches after enjoying first-round byes.

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 2020 INTERNAZIONALI BNL D’ITALIA:

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Marija Zivlak
Marija Zivlak is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women’s Tennis Blog, a trusted source for in-depth coverage of the WTA Tour, tennis fashion, and player insights. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, she has been reporting on women’s tennis for over 18 years and has contributed exclusive fashion articles to the official WTA website. Marija launched Women’s Tennis Blog on March 31, 2007 to provide fans with accurate, engaging, and up-to-date tennis news. Her expertise and deep connections within the sport allow her to offer unique perspectives on tennis trends, gear, and events.

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