ATP Rome: Stefanos Tsitsipas makes a winning start against Borges

Stefanos Tsitsipas, last year’s Rome Masters finalist, progressed to the third round at Foro Italico after defeating Nuno Borges in straight sets. Although the match was interrupted by rain, Tsitsipas sealed the victory the following day with a quick finish, taking only 70 minutes to beat Borges 6-3, 6-3. Tsitsipas will face Lorenzo Sonego in the next round in a night session on Monday.

During the match, Tsitsipas played well, hitting 19 winners with minimal unforced errors and demonstrating impressive skills at the net. Despite a solid effort, Borges could not match Tsitsipas’s pace, landing only 11 winners and committing 20 unforced errors. Tsitsipas broke Borges’s serve three times in the match while never facing a break point on his serve.

Tsitsipas quickly took control of the scoreboard in the first set, earning a break chance in the second game, which he converted with a forehand crosscourt winner. He continued to dominate the set, winning it 6-3 in 35 minutes. Borges managed to take the first game in the second set, but Tsitsipas responded immediately by winning the next game with a powerful forehand. Tsitsipas broke Borges’s serve again in the fifth game, thanks to an incredible rally and a forehand down-the-line winner. After holding serve in game six, Tsitsipas broke Borges’s serve again in game eight to secure a place in the third round.

Overall, it was a convincing performance from Tsitsipas, who will look to continue his excellent form in the upcoming matches.