The excitement is palpable at the Foro Italico as the Masters 1000 in Rome gears up for a thrilling day of tennis on Friday, May 9, 2025. This day marks the debut of the tournament's seeded players, promising a showcase of top-tier talent and competitive matchups.
The Central Court will kick off the action at 11:00 AM with a match featuring Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked female player, facing off against Anastasia Potapova. Sabalenka, known for her powerful serve and aggressive playstyle, is looking to assert her dominance early in the tournament.
Following this opening match, Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation and current ATP world No. 1, will take to the court against Dusan Lajovic not before 1:00 PM. Alcaraz, who has quickly become a fan favorite with his electrifying performances, is expected to deliver a thrilling display of skill and agility as he aims to progress further in the tournament.
As the day progresses, tennis fans can look forward to a late-night showdown featuring Alexander Zverev, who is set to face Camilo Ugo Carabelli at 8:30 PM. Zverev, a former world No. 4, is keen to make a statement after a challenging season and will be looking to capitalize on his experience against the rising Argentine star.
In addition to these marquee matchups, the day will also see several other notable players in action. Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Mirra Andreeva, Coco Gauff, Jack Draper, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will all be competing, adding to the day’s excitement. Each of these players brings their own unique style and flair to the court, making for a day filled with thrilling tennis action.
Meanwhile, in off-court news, Diana Shnaider, the promising young talent currently ranked No. 13, confirmed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, that her coaching relationship with former world No. 1 Dinara Safina has come to an end. Shnaider stated, “She returned back home to Barcelona. She needed that,” showing a level of respect for her former coach while keeping the details of their split private.
Dinara Safina, who officially retired from tennis in 2014, reached three major finals in 2008 and 2009, making her a significant figure in women’s tennis history. Alongside her brother, Marat Safin, who also enjoyed a stellar career, they remain the only brother-sister duo to have topped the ATP and WTA rankings. Marat Safin has recently entered the coaching realm himself, teaming up with countryman Andrey Rublev at the start of the clay swing, further highlighting the family's strong ties to the sport.
As the day unfolds at the Foro Italico, fans will be eager to see how these matches play out and whether the seeds can live up to their ranking and expectations. With the tournament in full swing, every match is crucial as players vie for a coveted spot in the later rounds.
The anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable day of tennis in Rome, where the best of the best will showcase their skills on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Will the seeds dominate their matches, or will there be surprises in store? Only time will tell as the action unfolds.
