Defending champion Alexander Zverev showcased his clay-court prowess by overpowering Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas 6-4, 6-0 in the third round of the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia on May 11, advancing to the last 16 in just 86 minutes. The world No. 2, a two-time Rome champion (2017, 2024), extended his tournament winning streak to seven matches, reinforcing his status as a favorite with +175 odds to win the title, per Bleacher Nation.
The first set was competitive, with Gaubas, ranked No. 154, breaking Zverev twice to level at 3-3. Zverev, however, regained control, breaking Gaubas in the third and ninth games to secure a 6-4 lead, winning 45 points to Gaubas’ 32. The second set was a masterclass, as Zverev conceded just three points on serve and converted two of six break points, blanking Gaubas 6-0. Tennis Tonic reported Zverev’s 20 winners and 69% first-serve point win rate, highlighting his dominance after a shaky start.
Gaubas, the first Lithuanian to reach an ATP Masters 1000 third round, showed flashes of promise with 37 winners in his second-round win over Denis Shapovalov (6-3, 6-4). However, the 20-year-old’s inexperience and fatigue from four prior matches, including qualifiers, were evident against Zverev’s relentless groundstrokes and tactical adjustments. Posts on X, like @wagsischasing, noted Gaubas’ struggle with Zverev’s pace and skillset.
Zverev’s performance followed a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Camilo Ugo Carabelli, signaling a return to form after early exits in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. His 11-4 clay record in 2025, including a Munich title, and 154-50 career clay mark underscore his pedigree. Sportstar reported Zverev’s focus on avoiding burnout, with Rome as a springboard for a French Open title push after last year’s final loss
Zverev’s sportsmanship shone through, as he praised Gaubas, saying, “I have huge respect for qualifiers… he’s been playing some great tennis,” per @isabela18041982 on X. He next faces Arthur Fils, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas, in a tougher fourth-round test where Zverev leads 3-2 head-to-head, tied 1-1 on clay. Zverev’s clinical display cements his title defense credentials in Rome. (Word count: 400)
