Unseeded Tomas Machac, as Alexei Popyrin, excelled on the men's singles first round, forcing former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas and home hope Matteo Berrettini to bid farewell to Rome early on Thrusday.
Former Internazionali BNL d'Italia runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered an early exit at the hands of Czech Tomas Machac, who secured a 6-4, 7-6(4) win in an hour and 38 minutes, advancing to the second round in Rome.
Machac took control of an entertaining match by breaking early in the first set to notch a 6-4 win in just 39 minutes and never looked back.
While the Greek was trailing by a set and a break, Machac had yet to face a break point on his serve.
A déjà vu sensation took over the BNP Paribas Arena as the player, currently ranked world No. 41, replicated his perfect start to the first set, earning a 3-1 advantage in the second set.
Solid at the net, the 25-year-old neutralized his opponent with accuracy, playing aggressively to come out on top in the rallies.
Tsitsipas, who last week enjoyed a consistent run to the fourth round in Madrid, beating world No. 11 Alexander Bublik before falling to former champion Casper Ruud, used his experience and powerful forehand to earn his first break point opportunity.
However, the Czech player clinically shut the door to his adversary with an ace, extending his lead to 5-3.
Sharp on the return, the two-time ATP titlist served for the match, letting the pressure transpire.
As a result, the Athens native rallied to grab a 40-0 advantage on his rival's serve, eventually even the scoreline 5-5 as Machac double-faulted.
The former world No. 3 consolidated his late challenge with a hold, building momentum to move one game away from stealing the set.
Under pressure, the Adelaide International reigning champion responded well, forcing a tiebreak.
Making a difference on the backhand wing - fired seven winners overall - the 2024 Paris Olympics doubles gold medalist regrouped to edge his rival 7-6(4), wrapping up proceedings.
All in all, he hit 20 winners against 15 unforced errors, compared to the 27-year-old, 29 to 25, respectively.
In addition, he won 91 percent of the points on his first serve and 88 percent of the net points.
With the win, the former world No. 20 advances to the second round in his second consecutive appearance at the tournament, setting a meeting with 2023 winner Daniil Medvedev.
Earlier, world No. 60 Alexei Popyrin outlasted local hope Matteo Berrettini 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 29 minutes, recording his first victory at the Masters 1000 level since last August on Thursday.
The Roman-born appearance at his home Masters 1000 was cut short on Campo Centrale as the Australian player delivered a commanding showing to claim his third clay win of the season at Foro Italico.
Making his fourth consecutive appearance, Popyirin will next face off against the 26th seed Jakub Mensik.
The Czech, 20, leads the three-time ATP title holder 3-0 in their series, having played one another in Dubai last February.