ROME — The tennis world is buzzing as the 2025 Italian Open prepares to kick off at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome, with some of the sport's biggest names set to compete from May 6 to May 18. The tournament marks a significant return for Jannik Sinner, the men's world No. 1, who is back in action after serving a three-month suspension following two positive doping tests in 2024. Sinner's comeback is highly anticipated, particularly after his impressive performance at the Australian Open earlier this year, where he claimed his third Grand Slam title by defeating Alexander Zverev.
As the defending champion, Zverev will also be in the mix, alongside top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud. However, fans will be disappointed to learn that Novak Djokovic has opted to skip this year’s event to focus on the upcoming French Open. The absence of the six-time champion opens the door for other competitors to seize the opportunity.
The women’s competition kicks off on May 6, with Iga Swiatek returning to defend her title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in last year's final. Swiatek is joined by fellow Americans Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys, all of whom are eager to make their mark in Rome.
Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, is feeling optimistic as she approaches her second appearance at the Italian Open. After a second-round exit at the Madrid Open, Raducanu is looking to bounce back and has expressed excitement about this fresh start. “It is exciting, it does feel like a bit of a fresh start with the way I am approaching everything, with the people I have around, with my mindset and outlook,” Raducanu said in an interview. She is set to face a qualifier in the first round and could potentially meet world No. 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the second.
As the tournament unfolds, nearly 50 American players are making the trip to Rome, showcasing the growing talent pool in U.S. tennis. The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has recently reorganized its player development system, taking cues from the success of the Italian Tennis Federation (FITP). With nine Italians currently in the ATP top 100 and three in the WTA top 100, Italy's rise in tennis has caught the attention of American officials. They are eager to learn from Italy's approach, which includes a focus on sports science and local tournament opportunities for young players.
As the tournament approaches, fans are eager to see how Sinner will perform after his suspension. Having maintained his position at the top of the ATP rankings thanks to his Australian Open victory, Sinner has a significant lead over his competitors, making his return all the more critical. The Italian star is on a 21-match winning streak dating back to October, adding to the excitement surrounding his first match, which is set for May 10 against wild card Federico Cina.
In the women's draw, Aryna Sabalenka arrives as the world No. 1 and is looking to continue her dominance after winning consecutive WTA 1000 titles, including a recent victory in Madrid. With a 4,345-point lead at the top of the rankings, Sabalenka is a formidable opponent, boasting a 9-1 record on clay this season. Meanwhile, Swiatek, who has triumphed in three of the last four Italian Opens, is also among the favorites as she seeks another title.
The Italian Open is not just a crucial stop on the road to Roland Garros; it also serves as a platform for emerging talent. Eighteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who has already secured two 1000-level trophies in the 2025 season, is one to watch. With experienced coach Conchita Martinez by her side, Andreeva is poised to make a significant impact.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can catch all the action on the Tennis Channel, with streaming options available through platforms like Fubo and Hulu with Live TV. The Italian Open promises to deliver thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and the emergence of new stars, making it a must-watch event for tennis enthusiasts around the globe.
The complete schedule for the tournament is as follows:
2025 Italian Open Schedule:
Women's Tournament:
- First Round: May 6, 5 a.m. (morning session)
- First Round: May 7, 5 a.m. (morning session) and 1 p.m. (evening session)
- Second Round: May 8, 5 a.m. (morning session) and 1 p.m. (evening session)
- Semifinals: May 15, 7 a.m. (morning session) and 1 p.m. (evening session)
- Final: May 17, 6 a.m.
Men's Tournament:
- First Round: May 7, 5 a.m. (morning session) and 1 p.m. (evening session)
- Second Round: May 8, 5 a.m. (morning session) and 1 p.m. (evening session)
- Semifinals: May 16, 7:30 a.m. (morning session) and 1 p.m. (evening session)
- Final: May 18, 6 a.m.
As the excitement builds for the Italian Open, tennis fans worldwide are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
