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The last year's Rome Masters finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the third round at Foro Italico. Stefanos needed two days to dismiss Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-3 in 70 minutes for a place in the third round, setting the clash against Lorenzo Sonego.
Tsitsipas led 6-3, 4-3, when the rain sent them off the court, with two rivals continuing on Sunday. The Greek finished the job quickly to move into the next round and set the night session duel against the home player on Monday.
World no. 5 hit 19 winners and unforced errors and played well at the net. Borges landed 11 winners and 20 unforced errors, failing to match the rival's pace despite a solid effort. Stefanos dropped 11 points in nine service games, never facing a break point and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Tsitsipas earned six break points and converted three to control the scoreboard and move over the top. The Greek held with an ace after two deuces in the encounter's first game and earned a break chance in game two after the rival's loose forehand.
Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Nuno Borges in straight sets at Foro Italico.
Nuno netted a backhand to lose serve and experience an early setback. The Portuguese reduced the deficit to 3-1 in game four before the Greek grabbed the next one with a forehand crosscourt winner to remain in front.
Borges saved a break point in game six and brought it home to stay within one break deficit. The rain increased, and they both served well in the remaining games. Stefanos served for the opener at 5-3 and held at love with a service winner to wrap up the set in 35 minutes.
Nuno grabbed the second set's first game with a forehand crosscourt winner, and Stefanos responded with a powerful forehand in the next one for 1-1. The Portuguese landed a drop shot winner in the third game, and the Greek locked the result at 2-2 with a volley winner at the net a few minutes later.
Borges moved 40-15 up in the fifth game before facing issues. Stefanos seized the second break chance after an incredible rally and a forehand down the line winner to open a set and a break lead. The Greek cemented the advantage with a hold at love in game six and earned another break chance at 4-2.
Borges denied it with a service winner and remained within one break deficit. The rivals left the court and continued the following day. Tsitsipas held at 15 in game eight with a service winner and secured a break at 5-3 to emerge at the top and advance into the third round.