This content was published 4 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

An impressive performance from Garbine Muguruza saw her overcome Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-3 in a clash of two Grand Slam champions at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

The Spanish No.9 seed took advantage of her opponent’s lack of confidence, overpowering her from the back of the court and remaining focused throughout the 81-minute match, which was interrupted by a 60-minute rain delay, to run out a straight sets winner.

“I knew I had a tough match against Sloane. She’s a great player. Also in clay. So I’m just happy with my performance since is just the third match I am able to play in a long time,” said Muguruza.

Muguruza hit 22 winners, including a sensational forehand down the line on match point, and broke Stephens four times as she raced to record victory and line up a second round match-up against rising star Coco Gauff who defeated Ons Jabeur earlier in the day.