Intro:

Sara Errani was knocked out of the WTA Internazionali d'Italia in Rome on Wednesday (13th May), going down in straight sets to America's Christina McHale.

Script:

Crowd favourite Sara Errani was back in action at the WTA Internazionali d'Italia facing Christina McHale of the USA in the second round.

Errani, who was beaten in last year's final, fought back to level after suffering a break in the opening game.

McHale broke the Italian number 13 seed's serve again in the ninth game though before closing out the opening set, 6-4.

World number 65 McHale got the better of the Errani serve again at the start of the second set and eventually converted that break into a 6-4, 6-4 victory.

It was the American's first win over Errani in five meetings - their last match coming two years ago in Rome, when McHale was beaten in three sets.

McHale faces a sterner test in the third round, where she will meet defending champion and compatriot Serena Williams.