This content was published 3 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

Dayana Yastremska clinched a narrow victory over Italian wildcard Camilla Giorgi, triumphing 7-5 6-7(5) 6-4 on Court Centrale at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Monday evening.

The 20-year-old Ukrainian hit 25 winners in the thrilling three-set tussle which lasted two hours 33 minutes. Giorgi had been forced to save three match points before she emerged victorious in an epic encounter when they met last month in Palermo but it was Yastremska who was the better player today.

“How else can I feel after a three hour match but tired? Still, it’s a win. Maybe not the best win, but it’s a win,” said Yastremska who will face Amanda Anisimova, who overcame No.16 seed Donna Vekic 7-6(4) 7-6(6) earlier in the day, in the next round.

Kei Nishikori needed six match points to recorded his first win in over a year when he defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4 7-6(3) in his opening round match. The Japanese player had elbow surgery last October and had played just one match so far this year, losing to Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round at Kitzbuhel.

“I was very pleased to be on the court today. Even last week I was maybe more enjoying, first match on the tour,” said Nishikori. “It’s been one year from I haven’t played tournament since. Yeah, very happy to be on the court. I still not feeling 100% tennis-wise, but I still enjoy. You know, even if I miss, it’s still fun.”

Local favourite Jannik Sinner advanced to the second round for the second straight year after defeating Benoit Paire 6-2 6-1 in 63 minutes. The Italian was in impressive form from the outset and wasted little time in dispatching of the fiery Frenchman. Sinner, the current NextGen ATP Finals champion, will face No.3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.

Stefano Travaglia proved too good for Taylor Fritz, holding his nerve to upset the American 6-4 7-6(4) in the second night match on Court Centrale. There were also victories for Grigor Dimitrov over Gianluca Mager 7-5 6-1, Aliona Bolsova against No. 13 seed Alison Riske 5-7 7-6(4) 6-3 and Borna Coric over No.14 seed Christian Garin 6-4 6-4.

Marin Cilic battled back from a set down to see off Alexander Bublik 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2 while Ugo Humbert was impressive on his debut at the Foro Italico, taking out two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson 6-3 7-6(5).