China's Wang Xiyu delivered a gripping performance at the Italian Open qualifying rounds in Rome, overcoming Bernarda Pera of the United States 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought three-set battle. The match, a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, saw Wang avenge her 2023 U.S. Open loss to Pera with tactical patience and resilience.
After claiming the first set with steady defense, Wang faltered in the second but forced Pera to earn the win by saving two set points. The decisive third set saw Pera take an early 2-0 lead, but Wang surged back with four consecutive games, sealing her spot in the next round. She now faces Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands for a main-draw berth.
Meanwhile, China's Yuan Yue exited the tournament after a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Croatia's Antonia Ruzic. Yuan mounted late rallies in both sets but couldn't overcome early deficits, highlighting the intense competition in Rome's qualifying rounds.
The Italian Open continues to draw global attention as emerging talents like Wang showcase Asia's growing influence in international tennis.
