The 2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia at the Foro Italico in Rome witnessed a thrilling day of tennis on May 8, with a mix of triumphs and heartbreaks for the Italian players. Among the highlights, Luca Nardi, Jasmine Paolini, and Matteo Gigante emerged victorious, while veteran Fabio Fognini bid farewell to the tournament and possibly his career.
In a highly anticipated derby match, Luca Nardi defeated fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, securing his place in the second round. Nardi showcased impressive composure throughout the match, breaking Cobolli's serve at crucial moments. The match lasted one hour and 27 minutes, and Nardi’s performance was marked by his strategic play and strong serving.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Paolini also advanced, defeating New Zealand's Lulu Sun in a solid match, finishing 6-4, 6-3. Paolini’s victory not only marked her progression to the third round but also highlighted her growing prowess on the clay courts of Rome. She will next face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur, a matchup that promises to be exciting.
Matteo Gigante continued the trend of Italian success by winning against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech with a nail-biting double tiebreak, 7-6, 7-6. The match, which lasted over two hours, saw Gigante display remarkable resilience and skill, culminating in an emotional celebration as he reached the second round.
However, not all stories were positive for the home crowd. Fabio Fognini, a beloved figure in Italian tennis, played what could be his final match at the Foro Italico, succumbing to Jacob Fearnley in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Fognini expressed his gratitude to Rome, stating, "Grazie Roma, è stato un bel viaggio. Penso che non c'era altro torneo per poter dire basta qui. Non mi sono ancora ritirato, giocherò ancora fino a fine anno e poi deciderò con calma." This heartfelt message resonated with fans, who paid tribute to his contributions to Italian tennis.
Other notable results included Laura Siegemund’s emphatic victory over Lucia Bronzetti, winning 6-2, 6-2. Siegemund, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser, capitalized on her opportunity and will now face Jelena Ostapenko in the next round.
Mattia Bellucci was another casualty of the day, losing to Pedro Martinez 6-4, 6-2 in a match that lasted just over an hour and 25 minutes. Bellucci struggled to find his rhythm, and Martinez’s consistent play proved too much for him.
The tournament also featured wins for several international stars. Jessica Pegula defeated Krueger 6-4, 6-2, while Elina Svitolina edged past Bouzas Maneiro with a score of 6-4, 7-6. Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, won her opening match against Gracheva 7-6, 6-1, showcasing her formidable skills on clay.
In a day filled with drama, the election of the new Pope, Leone XIV, was also a significant event, capturing the attention of fans at the Foro Italico. Thousands gathered to watch the announcement on maxi screens, and the tournament organizers acknowledged the moment with a message emphasizing the unifying power of sports.
As the tournament progresses, Jannik Sinner is set to make his return to competitive play after a hiatus, training with Casper Ruud on the same day. Sinner's matchup against Mariano Navone, who defeated Federico Cinà, is highly anticipated and will take place on Saturday, May 10.
The Internazionali BNL d'Italia continues to be broadcast across various platforms, including Sky and SuperTennis, ensuring that fans can follow every moment of the action.
As the sun sets on another exciting day in Rome, the stage is set for more thrilling matches, with Italian hopes resting on the shoulders of Nardi, Paolini, and Gigante, while Fognini's legacy in the tournament remains a poignant reminder of his impact on the sport.
