Sat May 10 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Swiatek Cruises to Italian Open Second Round After Madrid Setback
**ROME, Italy** – World No. 2 Iga Swiatek rebounded from a disappointing semifinal loss in Madrid with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 victory over Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round of the Italian Open on Thursday. Swiatek, a three-time Rome champion, attributed her surprising 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Coco Gauff in Madrid to personal issues.
The win improves Swiatek’s impressive Rome record to 21-2 since 2021. Despite her strong performance in the Italian capital, this year marks a relatively lean stretch for the Pole, as she is yet to reach a tournament final.
The Italian Open serves as the final major clay-court warm-up event before the French Open, which begins May 25th. Swiatek, a four-time Roland Garros champion, will be looking to build momentum in Rome ahead of her title defense in Paris. Her next opponent will be either Danielle Collins or Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
First Piper 