ROME: Two matches at the Italian Open in Rome were abruptly halted due to a protest by climate activists. Madison Keys and Sorana Cirstea’s last-16 tie, along with a doubles match featuring Santiago Gonzalez, Edouard Roger-Vasselin, Marcelo Arevalo, and Mate Pavic, were affected.
Keys was leading when activists wearing orange vests stormed the court, throwing confetti and some even glued themselves to the stands. Police intervened, removing the protesters before the matches resumed. Despite the disruption, Keys went on to defeat Cirstea. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie fell to Stefanos Tsitsipas, who credited his tie-break performance for the win.
World number one Iga Swiatek also secured victory against Angelique Kerber, setting up a clash with Keys. In another match, Naomi Osaka was defeated by Zheng Qinwen, who will face Coco Gauff next after Gauff’s comeback win against Paula Badosa.
