It was a day of mixed fortunes for the Williams family, while Lisa Pigato had a debut to remember despite suffering defeat.
There has been talk of moving the Australian Open overseas in 2022, but Craig Tiley is confident Melbourne will play host.
There is the potential for an all-American affair between teenager Amanda Anisimova and 40-year-old Venus Williams after the former won.
Reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek dropped just 13 points as she dominated Karolina Pliskova 6-0 6-0 on Sunday.
Iga Swiatek fended off Coco Gauff in the first career meeting between the teenage WTA stars, earning a place in the Rome final.
Former French Open winner Ash Barty was a set up against Coco Gauff but retired injured from their Internazionali d'Italia quarter-final.
The 2018 French Open champion Simona Halep is facing a battle to be fit for the upcoming grand slam at Roland Garros.
Ash Barty and Coco Gauff will face off for the first time in the quarter-finals in Rome, while Iga Swiatek is also into the last eight.
With just over a fortnight to go under the French Open starts, Serena Williams has made a late entry to play in Parma next week.
The French Open hopes of Simona Halep appear to be in doubt after injury ended her clash with Angelique Kerber in Rome.