Quick Read
- Nikola Bartunkova entered the Italian Open draw as an alternate following the withdrawal of world No. 9 Victoria Mboko.
- The 2026 Italian Open has seen 22 players withdraw or retire due to injury or illness, significantly impacting the tournament bracket.
- Bartunkova is set to face Madison Keys in the Round of 32, with predictive models giving the American a 74% win probability.
ROME (Azat TV) – Nikola Bartunkova has advanced to the Round of 32 at the 2026 Italian Open, securing a high-stakes matchup against American Madison Keys this Sunday. The progression of the young talent comes amidst a tumultuous week in Rome, where a record number of withdrawals have significantly altered the tournament landscape.
The surge of withdrawals in Rome
The 2026 Italian Open has been marked by an unprecedented wave of player exits, with 22 athletes across the ATP and WTA draws withdrawing or retiring mid-match as of Saturday. The instability in the field provided a pathway for alternates to enter the bracket, including Bartunkova, who stepped into the draw to replace world No. 9 Victoria Mboko. Mboko had been forced to withdraw from the tournament prior to her opening match on Friday due to a gastrointestinal illness.
Bartunkova faces Madison Keys in Round of 32
The transition into the Round of 32 presents a significant challenge for Bartunkova, who is now scheduled to face Madison Keys. According to industry analysis from Dimers, the matchup has drawn considerable attention from predictive models, which currently favor Keys with a 74% win probability. Despite the statistical advantage held by the American, the match remains a critical opportunity for Bartunkova to prove her standing on the WTA 1000 stage.
The broader impact on the Italian Open
The sheer volume of departures in Rome—ranging from top-tier stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz to recent withdrawals such as Arthur Fils—has placed immense pressure on the event’s scheduling and competitive integrity. With 17 players pulling out by Wednesday and five more following in the subsequent days, the tournament has seen its initial seeding structure severely disrupted. The inclusion of players like Bartunkova highlights the fluid nature of this year’s competition, where depth and readiness have become as vital as initial rankings.
The high rate of attrition at the 2026 Italian Open underscores a growing concern regarding player physical health and the density of the professional tennis calendar, forcing organizers and spectators alike to recalibrate expectations for the remainder of the tournament as alternates continue to shape the final results.