In a thrilling second-round showdown at the 2025 Italian Open, Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated once again why she remains one of the fiercest competitors on the WTA Tour. The world No. 2 survived a spirited challenge from former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin, coming from behind to secure a dramatic 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory under the lights at Foro Italico in Rome. The win propels Sabalenka into the last 16, where she continues her quest for a maiden Italian Open title — and possibly, a confidence-boosting run heading into Roland Garros.
Let’s dive into all the drama, momentum shifts, and tactical brilliance that made this encounter one of the most gripping of the tournament so far.
A Clash of Grit and Resilience
From the opening game, it was clear this match wouldn’t be a walk in the park for Sabalenka. Sofia Kenin, unseeded but undeterred, brought the same controlled aggression that helped her win the 2020 Australian Open. Despite recent inconsistencies in her career, the American was locked in, matching Sabalenka shot for shot and reading her aggressive plays with sharp anticipation.
Sabalenka, on the other hand, entered the match with high expectations. After reaching the final in Madrid just days earlier and posting consistent clay-court performances this season, she was the favorite. But early on, she struggled to find her rhythm, spraying unforced errors and failing to convert key break points.
Kenin capitalized, grabbing the first set 6-4 and looking every bit the seasoned tactician. She drew Sabalenka into longer rallies, forced her to overhit, and exposed movement on the backhand side with clever cross-court patterns.
The Turning Point: Sabalenka’s Inner Fire
If there’s one quality that defines Aryna Sabalenka, it’s her tenacity. The second set opened with renewed urgency from the Belarusian. She began taking the ball earlier, improving her first-serve percentage, and showing better discipline on key points.
The game plan shifted — fewer risk-heavy winners, more controlled aggression. It paid off. Sabalenka broke Kenin in the fourth game and consolidated her lead, hammering down booming serves and finishing points with well-timed forehands. Her trademark roar after winning a long rally at 4-2 marked a key moment — not just for the match, but for her mental resurgence.
She closed out the set 6-3 and forced a decider that promised fireworks.
Third Set: Tension, Drama, and Sabalenka’s Comeback Grit
The third set was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Both players held serve tightly through the first eight games. At 4-4, Sabalenka found herself in a tricky spot — down 15-40 on serve. But with nerves of steel, she saved two break points with massive first serves and edged ahead to 5-4.
Kenin, to her credit, didn’t fade. She held strong to level at 5-5, using deep returns and sharp angles to keep Sabalenka guessing. But fatigue began to creep in, and Sabalenka sensed it.
In a pivotal 11th game, Sabalenka broke serve after a tense deuce battle, converting on her fourth break point. The crowd erupted as she pumped her fist with trademark intensity. Moments later, she served out the match with confidence, sealing victory with an ace down the T.
Final Score:
Aryna Sabalenka def. Sofia Kenin 4-6, 6-3, 7-5
What This Win Means for Sabalenka
This victory wasn’t just about reaching the third round. It was a statement win — one that showed her ability to recover mentally and physically in high-stakes matches. For a player who has often been criticized for losing control under pressure, Sabalenka’s composure against Kenin signals growth.
It also keeps her on track in the Italian Open 2025, where she’s now among the top favorites to reach the final. With Iga Swiatek dominating the other half of the draw, a potential blockbuster showdown still looms — but Sabalenka knows she has to take it one match at a time.
Her next opponent? A tricky clay-court specialist in Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo, who brings an entirely different style of play — slower tempo, extended rallies, and defensive resilience. Sabalenka will need to maintain her focus and adapt to a very different rhythm if she wants to move deeper into the draw.
Kenin Deserves Credit
Though she came up short, Sofia Kenin’s performance in Rome marked a promising return to form. Her shot selection, movement, and competitive spirit were all on full display. If she continues playing like this, a return to the Top 30 seems not only possible but probable.
Her game, especially on clay, has matured — mixing drop shots, looping topspin, and smart angles to break down bigger hitters like Sabalenka. Though disappointed by the loss, Kenin can take pride in pushing one of the world’s best to the limit.
Social Media Reactions: Tennis Twitter on Fire
The tennis community didn’t hold back after the match. Social media lit up with reactions:
📱 @WTAInsider: “Aryna Sabalenka showing champion resolve. That third set was pure fight. 👏 #ItalianOpen #WTA”
📱 @TennisFanZone: “That roar from Sabalenka at 4-2 in the second… CHILLS.🔥 Clay queen in the making? #Sabalenka #Roma2025”
📱 @KeninArmy: “Kenin looked sharp tonight. Sabalenka just had too much firepower. Hoping Sofia builds on this! 🇺🇸 #ComebackSeason”
With Sabalenka’s win trending globally under the hashtag #ItalianOpen2025, it’s clear that fans are rallying behind her Rome run — and are eager to see where it leads.
Stats Snapshot
| Key Stats | Sabalenka | Kenin |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 7 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 4 | 3 |
| First Serve % | 64% | 67% |
| Break Points Saved | 5/7 | 3/6 |
| Winners | 32 | 24 |
| Unforced Errors | 28 | 22 |
Sabalenka’s ability to raise her first-serve percentage and limit errors in the final set proved pivotal.
What’s Next for Sabalenka at the Italian Open 2025?
The third round is set, and Sabalenka will now face off against a more defensive opponent — a complete contrast to Kenin’s baseline aggression. Each match on Rome’s clay brings its own challenge, but Sabalenka’s adaptability is improving. Her movement has looked sharper this season, and mentally, she seems more prepared for adversity.
If she can continue to control her power without sacrificing aggression, she has a real shot at going all the way in Rome — something she’s yet to do in her decorated career.
And with Roland Garros just around the corner, a deep run in Italy would set the perfect tone for a Grand Slam charge.
Final Thoughts: Aryna Sabalenka’s Message Is Loud and Clear
Matches like these are why Aryna Sabalenka is a fan favorite. Her passion, fight, and willingness to leave everything on the court resonate with tennis lovers worldwide. Beating a resurgent Sofia Kenin in a gritty three-setter might not earn her a trophy yet — but it sends a loud message to the rest of the field: Sabalenka isn’t backing down.
As she eyes the business end of the Italian Open 2025, one thing is clear — Aryna Sabalenka is still chasing greatness, one comeback at a time.
