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Jannik Sinner in the middle of anti-LGBTQ controversy in Rome

Jelena Ostapenko & Anna Kalinskaya handshake drama shakes up Italian Open

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Jannik Sinner targeted with homophobic slogans in shocking incident. Jelena Ostapenko & Anna Kalinskaya spark Italian Open handshake controversy.

To find out more, here's MATCH POINT for today:

TOP SEED

Jannik Sinner targeted with homophobic, anti-LGBTQ slogans at Italian Open in shocking incident


Jannik Sinner became the centre of a widely reported homophobic incident just days before the World No. 1 began his 2026 Italian Open campaign. Anti-LGBTQ+ stickers with homophobic insults targeted at the local favorite were seen near the Foro Italico area.

Blu Dot surpasses 2,000% ROAS with self-serve CTV ads

Home furniture brand Blu Dot blew up on CTV with help from Roku Ads Manager. Here’s how:

After a test campaign reached 211,000 households and achieved 1,010% ROAS, the brand went all in to promote its annual sales event. It removed age and income constraints to expand reach and shifted budget to custom audiences and retargeting, where intent was strongest.

The results speak for themselves. As Blu Dot increased their investment by 10x, ROAS jumped to 2,308% and more page-view conversions surpassed 50,000.

“For CTV campaigns, Roku has been a top performer,” said Claire Folkestad, Paid Media Strategist, Blu Dot. “Comping to our other platforms, we have seen really strong ROAS… and highly efficient CPMs, lower than any other CTV partner we've worked with.”

Using Roku Ads Manager, the campaign moved from a pilot to a permanent performance engine for the brand.

HAWKEYE

Jelena Ostapenko cursed at Anna Kalinskaya, accused Russian of 'faking' injury intention: Reports emerge after Italian Open handshake drama

Jelena Ostapenko cursed at Anna Kalinskaya, accused Russian of 'faking' injury intention: Reports emerge after Italian Open handshake drama

Jelena Ostapenko & Anna Kalinskaya spark handshake controversy at Italian Open: Video, fan backlash & speculation explained

Jelena Ostapenko & Anna Kalinskaya spark handshake controversy at Italian Open: Video, fan backlash & speculation explained

Jessica Pegula's Italian Open opponent Anastasia Potapova makes big statement about her Russian roots despite earlier criticism

Jessica Pegula's Italian Open opponent Anastasia Potapova makes big statement about her Russian roots despite earlier criticism

BEYOND THE BASELINE

PICTURES: Leylah Fernandez finds comfort in new boyfriend Vincent & Rome sightseeing after early Italian Open heartbreak

PICTURES: Leylah Fernandez finds comfort in new boyfriend Vincent & Rome sightseeing after early Italian Open heartbreak

Naomi Osaka reveals why daughter Shai is the main reason she has transformed herself completely off-court

Naomi Osaka reveals why daughter Shai is the main reason she has transformed herself completely off-court

Elina Svitolina delivers brutal rejection of 'sad' & 'disrespectful' betting behaviour taking over tennis now

Elina Svitolina delivers brutal rejection of 'sad' & 'disrespectful' betting behaviour taking over tennis now

SPILL THE TEA

"Imagine being a parent & actually being so stupid" - Jannik Sinner's Italian Open opponent's father called out by fans after comments on son's career

"Imagine being a parent & actually being so stupid" - Jannik Sinner's Italian Open opponent's father called out by fans after comments on son's career

Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva preview, head-to-head, odds, prediction & betting tips | Italian Open 2026

Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva preview, head-to-head, odds, prediction & betting tips | Italian Open 2026

SOCIAL SLAM

Player Spotlight

"There’s no animosity between me and Jannik Sinner, there’s no reason to hate each other" - Carlos Alcaraz