Aryna Sabalenka is a three-time Madrid champion, World No.1 by many points, and possible favourite for Roland Garros.

Elena Rybakina is the Australian Open champion. World No.1 in the Race, an just won Stuttgart with only one tough match.

Yet, in a turn of events, it was Marta Kostyuk who rose up to the challenge and took the opportunity in the final by defeating a struggling Mirra Andreeva to win her first WTA 1000 trophy in Madrid. Sabalenka lost in the Quarter-finals, Rybakina in the 4th round.

Sadly, Kostyuk won't play in Rome next, but she remains an intriguing contender for the Roland Garros crown.

But where does all that leave us in regards to Rome?

In an exciting place where there's a crap ton at stake: dominance, Wolrd No.1 battles, and favouritism for the second major of the year.

Rome could be one of the best tournaments of the year, on both tours.

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