After top seeds like Djokovic, Sabalenka, and Paolini suffered early upsets at the Italian Open, many expected the tournament to be a graveyard for big names. But Jessica Pegula delivered a stunning twist, producing a rare “double bagel” that left her opponent in tears.
The American No.5 seed faced Swiss qualifier Martina Masalova in the third round. Though Masalova had impressed by beating higher-ranked players like Fernandez en route to the main draw, Pegula showed no mercy, dominating the match with sheer power and precision. She won the first set 6-0 and then repeated the feat in the second, finishing with a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline that sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Pegula’s stats were remarkable: a 66% first-serve percentage, 76% first-serve points won, and an astonishing 82% second-serve points won. Masalova, unable to find any rhythm, broke down in tears as she left the court, a poignant reminder of the sport’s brutal competitiveness. The double bagel marked Pegula’s career-first such scoreline, earning her a spot in the fourth round and proving she can withstand the pressure when top seeds falter.
Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina, the No.2 seed, also advanced comfortably, defeating Philippine No.1 Eala 6-4, 6-3 in a highly anticipated Asian derby. The match featured Rybakina’s relentless offensive play, particularly her powerful forehand, which produced 25 of her 32 winners. Eala struggled to keep pace, under constant pressure from Rybakina’s dominant baseline game.
The victory continued Rybakina’s remarkable streak against Asian opponents, which now stands at eight consecutive wins since late 2024. She has defeated players including Japan’s Natsuru, China’s Zhang Shuai, and both Wang Xinyu and Zheng Qinwen, cementing her status as a formidable force in Asian derbies. The win also earned her a place in the fourth round, providing a bright spot for the top seeds after several early exits.