In a thrilling turn of events at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, unseeded American Peyton Stearns pulled off another upset, defeating former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4) to reach her second career WTA 1000 quarterfinal.

Unstoppable Stearns Continues Unseeded Run

Stearns, ranked No. 42, has been in stunning form on red clay since partnering with new coach Blaz Kavcic. She reached the last 16 in Madrid and has now become the first player in the Open Era to win consecutive matches in Rome in deciding tiebreaks.

“I’m just trying to stay in the moment and take it one point at a time,” said Stearns after the match. “I know I can compete with anyone on any given day.”

Osaka’s Winning Streak Snapped

Osaka, a four-time major champion, had her eight-match winning streak ended by Stearns. The Japanese star had also beaten Madison Keys in the third round.

Osaka struggled with her first serve, winning only 49% of points behind it compared to Stearns’ 69%. The unseeded American also won the battle on return, winning 42% of points against Osaka’s second serve.

Aircraft Flyover Adds Drama to Match

In a bizarre moment, a fleet of eight aircraft from the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s national air force display team, flew overhead during the match, trailing green, white and red plumes. The interruption didn’t seem to phase Stearns, who went on to secure the victory.

Stearns’ Next Test: Svitolina or Collins

With her win, Stearns will next face either No. 16 seed and two-time Rome champion Elina Svitolina or No. 29 seed Danielle Collins in the quarterfinals.

Svitolina leads their head-to-head 2-0, while Stearns has never played Collins.

Third-Set Resilience Key for Stearns

Throughout the final set, Stearns showed remarkable resilience, saving five break points in the ninth game and overcoming a 4-2 deficit in the tiebreak to secure her first match point.

“I’m just trying to stay in the moment and take it one point at a time.”
— Peyton Stearns