Sinner, Nadal to clash in Rome

JANNIK SINNER booked a second-round showdown with nine-time champion Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open after a 6-2, 6-4 win over Frenchman Ugo Humbert yesterday.

The Italian teenager will face the 20-time Grand Slam winner for the second time, having impressed against Nadal in last year's French Open quarterfinals despite losing in straight sets.

Nadal has a 9-2 record on clay this season but was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid.

Aslan Karatsev matched Sinner with his 20th win of the season. The Russian beat Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 in the opening round. Only Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev have won more ATP matches this year (27).

Australian Open semifinalist Karatsev will play compatriot and Melbourne runner-up Daniil Medvedev for a place in the last 16.

Taylor Fritz awaits defending champion Novak Djokovic in round two after the American brushed aside Dan Evans 6-3, 6-2.

Lorenzo Musetti advanced when Miami Open winner Hubert Hurkacz retired due to injury while trailing 6-4, 2-0.

Nishikori overcame Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-4 with Marin Cilic seeing off Alexander Bublik in three sets.

Reigning French Open women's champion Iga Swiatek progressed when Alison Riske retired with a foot problem in the first set, while Coco Gauff outlasted Yulia Putintseva 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

Petra Kvitova recovered from a dreadful start to overhaul Magda Linette of Poland 1-6, 6-0, 62.

Serena Williams will face surprise Nadia Podoroska or Laura Siegemund later this week.