As the 2025 Italian Open unfolds at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome, the excitement is palpable with defending champion Iga Swiatek leading the charge. On May 8, Swiatek showcased her dominance by defeating Italian wildcard Elisabetta Cocciaretto in a commanding straight-set victory, 6-0, 6-1, in just 52 minutes. Swiatek, the world number two, won 28 of 35 service points and did not face a single break point throughout the match. This victory marks her progression to the third round, where she is set to face American Danielle Collins, who also advanced after defeating Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-3.
Swiatek is on a quest for her fourth title in five years in Rome, and her track record at this tournament is impressive. Out of her last 19 matches here, 18 have ended in straight-set victories, with the only exception being her retirement in the 2023 quarter-finals against Elena Rybakina. However, this season has been a bit of a struggle for the Polish star, as she has reached the quarter-finals in her last eight tournaments but has yet to secure a title.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka is also making waves in Rome. The four-time Grand Slam champion continued her resurgence on clay with a thrilling comeback against Swiss player Viktorija Golubic, winning 2-6, 7-5, 6-1. This victory is particularly significant as it follows her first clay-court title at L'Open 35 de Saint-Malo, marking her first WTA title since becoming a mother in July 2023. Osaka is now set to face Marie Bouzkova, who breezed past Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 18th seed, with a decisive 6-0, 6-3 win.
In the men's draw, Britain's Jacob Fearnley made headlines by defeating veteran Fabio Fognini, who announced that this would be his last Masters 1000 event, in a straight-set match, 6-2, 6-3. Fearnley will now face Matteo Berrettini in the next round. Fognini, a beloved figure in Italian tennis, has had a storied career since making his debut at the Italian Open in 2006, reaching the quarter-finals in 2018.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three, who has declared himself “100% ready” to compete after recovering from muscle injuries that sidelined him during the Madrid Open. Alcaraz, who is eager to renew his rivalry with Jannik Sinner, will take on Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic in the second round. Alcaraz expressed confidence in his current form, stating, “I’m in a good shape. I think my level is in a good spot.” Last year, Alcaraz faced disappointment in his Rome debut, losing in the third round but went on to claim back-to-back Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Adding to the intrigue, Jannik Sinner is making his return to ATP play after serving a three-month suspension for a doping violation. Sinner’s comeback has been highly anticipated, and Alcaraz is excited about the possibility of facing him in the final. “I’m really happy to have him around again,” Alcaraz said. “It is great for me, for tennis, for the fans, that he’s able to play a tournament again.”
As the tournament continues, other notable players like Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud are also in the mix, with Zverev opting to skip the Italian Open to focus on training for the upcoming French Open. The stakes are high as players vie for crucial ranking points and momentum heading into the Grand Slam event.
The Italian Open, which started on May 7, 2025, and runs through May 18, features a packed schedule with matches taking place daily. The men’s and women’s second rounds are set for May 9, followed by the third rounds on May 10 and 11. The tournament culminates with the men’s final on May 18, promising an exciting conclusion to this prestigious event.
With the likes of Swiatek, Osaka, Alcaraz, and Sinner in action, the Italian Open is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of tennis talent, as players aim to make their mark on the clay courts of Rome.
