Opposed to Flavia Pennetta of Italy (invited) for her opening match on the Roman clay, Sloane Stephens enforces her position.

Seeded No. 16, the American has qualified in two sets 6/3, 6/3 after 1 hour 28.

In the second round, the only lady in the Top 10 of the most profitable sports will face Dutch Kiki Bertens who defeated Francesca Schiavone winner of the tournament of Marrakech, 7/6, 6/1.