In his first year as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has sought a pastoral role focused on unity, community and calm leadership in a polarized church and world. Guided by his Augustinian spirituality, Leo has emphasized harmony and healing divisions across the Vatican while shaping his identity as the first American pope.
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Pope Leo XIV rides in the popemobile with Cardinal Domenico Battaglia in front of Mount Vesuvius, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Naples, during a one-day pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
Pope Leo XIV holds up a ceremonial ampoule that Catholic tradition says contains the blood of Naples' patron saint, Saint Gennaro, whose dried blood is believed by the faithful to liquefy during recurring ceremonies in the city, in Naples, Friday, May 8, 2026, during a one-day pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
ROME (AP) — Three-time champion Iga Swiatek beat Jessica Pegula of the United States in straight sets on Wednesday to advance to the Italian Open semifinals.
The fourth-ranked Swiatek needed just 67 minutes to sweep aside No. 5 Pegula 6-1, 6-2.
Swiatek’s impressive form bodes well for the upcoming French Open, which she has won four times.
“I’m happy that I can spend some time on the court and play really solid matches against the best girls,” Swiatek said. "For sure it’s giving me confidence because you can practice as much as possible, but if you don’t test it out on the court, play matches and face pressure or something, you’re going to still feel the little bit rusty when it comes.
“Now I’m happy I played couple matches. I’ll play hopefully two more here.”
Swiatek will next face either Elena Rybakina or Elina Svitolina, who are both also former Rome champions.
In the men’s quarterfinals, two impressive sets from Casper Ruud saw the Norwegian overcome 13th-ranked Karen Khachanov 6-1, 1-6, 6-2.
The match was suspended for more than two hours at the start of the second set because of rain and Khachanov seemed to have dealt better with the enforced break.
However, the 23rd-ranked Ruud broke Khachanov's serve twice at the start of the third set and then again to take the match on the second of three match points.
Ruud will face either 19-year-old Rafael Jodar of Spain or Italian player Luciano Darderi in the semifinals.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Jessica Pegula, of the United States, waits for start of the quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek, of Poland, at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Iga Swiatek, of Poland, returns the ball to Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during their quarter-final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Jessica Pegula, of the United States, returns the ball to Iga Swiatek, of Poland, during their quarter-final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Iga Swiatek, of Poland, celebrates after wining a point during the quarter-final match against Jessica Pegula, of the United States, at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
