The Internazionali BNL d’Italia is one of the premier events on the WTA calendar, classified as a WTA 1000 tournament and played on the iconic red clay of the Foro Italico in Rome. With its scenic backdrop and passionate Italian crowds, it provides vital preparation for the French Open. This year’s draw featured 96 players, including world No. 1 Iga Świątek, defending champion Elena Rybakina, and a deep field of Top 20 talent. For Bianca Andreescu, the Canadian No. 3, Rome represented an opportunity to secure her first quarter-final appearance at this event and build momentum heading into Roland Garros.
Bianca Andreescu opened her campaign against unseeded qualifier Olga Danilović, prevailing in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) with a blend of powerful baseline hitting and deft touch on the drop shot. In the second round, she faced No. 18 seed Elise Mertens, a formidable clay-court specialist, and produced an inspired performance—recovering from a set down to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. That victory marked Andreescu’s first Top 20 scalp of the week and demonstrated her ability to grind through extended rallies and adjust tactics mid-match.
In the third round, Andreescu continued her resurgence by defeating No. 14 seed Madison Keys 7-6(5), 6-4. Against Keys, Andreescu displayed exceptional footwork and court coverage, repeatedly neutralizing blistering serves and landing her trademark backhand down the line at critical junctures. After that triumph, she had amassed two Top 20 wins and earned a coveted spot in the Round of 16 against China’s No. 8, Qinwen Zheng.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu Continues Clay‐Court Breakthrough with Comeback Win in Rome
The opening set of Andreescu versus Zheng unfolded as a tense back-and-forth battle dominated by service games and tactical nuance. Zheng jumped out to an early break by winning her first six first-serve points, then converting on a 15-40 break chance when Andreescu’s forehand drifted long in game two.
Undeterred, Andreescu stabilized her own service games, fighting off break points at love-30 in game four and again at deuce in game six. Her defensive skills were on full display, as she chased down drop shots and stretched Zheng with crisp cross-court exchanges. At 3-1, Zheng’s double faults provided Andreescu with break opportunities, which the 2019 U.S. Open champion leveraged to level the set at 3-3.
Trading breaks continued throughout the set: Zheng broke again for 4-3, Andreescu broke back to make it 4-4, and Andreescu held to love in game nine to lead 5-4. Serving for the set at 5-4, Andreescu couldn’t close out the game, saving two set points but succumbing on her third opportunity when her backhand failed to clear the net. Zheng held to love in the following game and then secured the set 7-5 on her fourth set point, capitalizing on Andreescu’s two errors in a 12-minute showdown that featured seven total breaks of serve.
Second Set Decisive Turnaround
The second set saw Zheng seize full control. She broke Andreescu in the opening game, then again in the third, racing to a 3-0 advantage with aggressive return positioning and angled forehands that pinned Andreescu behind the baseline.
Andreescu briefly halted the momentum in game four, charging the net to earn her only break of the match. Yet Zheng immediately regrouped, breaking back in game five when Andreescu hit a backhand long on break point. With a 4-1 lead, Zheng unleashed a barrage of forehand winners, preventing Andreescu from constructing any consistent offense.
Facing her 15th break point in game six, Andreescu’s backhand again betrayed her, sailing well long after an extended rally. Zheng capitalized to serve out the match at 6-1 in just under 30 minutes, finishing with a precise forehand winner at 40-30. The 22-year-old’s victory marked her second career win over Andreescu, having also prevailed at the 2022 National Bank Open in Toronto.
Player Performance Statistics
Service and Return Stats
• First-Serve Percentage: Zheng 72% – Andreescu 59%
• Aces/Double Faults: Zheng 3/7 – Andreescu 2/4
• Break Points Converted: Zheng 8 of 15 – Andreescu 3 of 9
• Winners vs. Unforced Errors: Zheng 26–17 – Andreescu 14–22
Zheng’s higher first-serve percentage and aggressive returns allowed her to dominate key service points, while Andreescu’s unforced-error count proved costly in crucial moments.
This was the third career meeting between the two, with Zheng holding a 2–1 advantage. Their previous encounters—a Zheng win in Toronto 2022 and an Andreescu victory in a junior circuit match—underscored the competitive parity and contrasting styles: Zheng’s relentless power game versus Andreescu’s counterpunching variety.
In her post-match press conference, a gracious Andreescu remarked: “Qinwen served extremely well, especially in the big moments. I tried to stay aggressive and stay in points, but today just wasn’t my day. I’m proud of how I fought this week and look forward to using these matches to prepare for Paris.”
Zheng Speaks
Zheng, brimming with confidence, said: “Bianca is an incredible fighter and former Grand Slam champion. I focused on my first serve and tried to stay consistent. It means a lot to win against her in Rome. I’m excited for my quarter-final against Iga (Świątek).”
Andreescu’s serve—once a reliable weapon—was under the microscope throughout the match. Facing 15 break points, she faltered on second-serve placement, often yielding short returns that Zheng converted into winners. In contrast, Zheng’s serve, though marred by seven double faults, frequently earned free points on first strike, easing pressure on her baseline game.
Return Game Dynamics
Zheng’s aggressive return positioning—standing well inside the baseline—allowed her to take time away from Andreescu. Early in rallies, she attacked forehands to Andreescu’s backhand corner, forcing defensive replies that dented the Canadian’s rhythm. Andreescu attempted to counter with slice backhands and drop shots, but Zheng’s foot speed neutralized these tactics and allowed her to dictate from the forecourt.
Despite the loss, Andreescu’s two Top 20 wins in Madrid and Rome herald a promising clay-court resurgence. Her ranking points from Rome will help her secure direct entry into Roland Garros without requiring a wild card. The veteran will now turn her focus to final tune-ups in Strasbourg or Parma—opportunities to fine-tune her serve placement and reduce unforced errors before Paris.
Zheng’s Momentum
Qinwen Zheng’s victory cements her status as a serious contender on clay. Her upcoming quarter-final against four-time Rome champion Iga Świątek looms as a potential clay-court classic. A win over Świątek would be her first against the Pole this season and propel her into the semifinals, where a clash with Elena Rybakina or Ons Jabeur could await. Zheng’s rise into the Top 5 appears imminent if she continues this form.
Quarter-Final Preview
The Round of 16 concluded with Zheng facing the top seed, Iga Świątek, on Wednesday. Świątek, in imperious form, dispatched Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-2 in straight sets. Their quarter-final match promises heavy topspin rallies and a contrast of Zheng’s inside-out power against Świątek’s defensively solid counterpunching. On the bottom half of the draw, other quarter-finalists include Elena Rybakina, Barbora Krejčíková and Victoria Azarenka.
Clay-Court Season Stakes
With two Masters 1000 titles—Madrid and Rome—at stake before Roland Garros, players use these events to adapt to heavy, slower conditions and to gauge their readiness for the only Grand Slam played on clay. High seeds aim to fine-tune footwork and endurance, while dark-horse contenders like Zheng seek to build confidence against elite rivals.
Conclusion
Bianca Andreescu’s run in Rome, capped by hard-fought wins over Mertens and Keys, showcased her return to competitive form after injury setbacks. Though her bid for a quarter-final ended at the hands of Qinwen Zheng, the Canadian’s resilience and aggressive court craft bode well for the French Open. Meanwhile, Zheng’s comprehensive victory and imminent clash with Iga Świątek mark her as one of the most dangerous young talents on tour. As the clay-court season reaches its peak, the Foro Italico has once again affirmed its role as a crucible where champions sharpen their blades for the ultimate test in Paris.
