The Foro Italico comes alive as stars hit the clay and the city embraces two weeks of pure tennis

The Italian Open is already in full swing in Rome. The 2026 edition has brought the spotlight back to the Foro Italico, one of the most iconic venues on the ATP and WTA tours. Packed stands from early morning, sold-out night sessions, and fans lining up at the gates: for two weeks, the city moves to the rhythm of clay-court tennis.

The stars take the stage: Sinner leads a stacked field

All eyes are on Jannik Sinner, one of the most anticipated players of the tournament and a central figure for the home crowd. Around him, a draw that blends established champions with rising talents.

Players already seen on court or in practice include Alexander Bublik, Alex de Minaur and Stan Wawrinka. On the women’s side, Iga Świątek remains the benchmark on clay.

Italy’s presence is strong as well, with Lorenzo Musetti among the players expected to ignite the crowd.

Novak Djokovic @Internazionali BNL d'Italia

Early impressions: “The atmosphere here is special”

The Foro Italico quickly shows what makes it unique: proximity between players and fans, constant energy, and a sense of participation that goes beyond the matches themselves.

“Playing in Rome is special. You really feel the crowd pushing you on every point,” said Jannik Sinner during the opening days.

Iga Świątek echoed that feeling:

“I always feel comfortable here. It’s one of the best tournaments on clay.”

The tournament heats up: must-watch matches this week

With the draw set, the tournament is entering a decisive phase. This is the week when the level rises and the biggest storylines begin to take shape.

Jannik Sinner is set to make his debut against the winner of Sebastian Ofner vs. Alex Michelsen, benefiting from a first-round bye. On paper, a manageable start but in Rome, every match demands focus from the first point.

Sinner arrives as world No. 1 and in outstanding form, establishing himself as the player to beat at this stage of the season.

The path, however, gets tougher quickly. A potential third-round clash with Matteo Berrettini is already one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament, especially for the Italian crowd.

Looking further ahead, his section of the draw is far from easy: explosive players in the middle rounds, top contenders in the quarterfinals, and a possible semifinal against one of the tour’s elite.

On the opposite side of the draw, names like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev stand out as strong candidates to reach the final. A potential showdown with one of them is already shaping up as one of the tournament’s headline narratives.

In the women’s draw, attention is on Iga Świątek and Italian champion Jasmine Paolini, with high-stakes matchups expected as early as the second week.

Beyond the matches: the full Foro Italico experience

The Italian Open is more than just tennis. Anyone stepping into the Foro Italico enters a vibrant sports village designed to engage fans at every level.

Practice sessions draw large crowds, often rivaling official matches. The outer courts offer close-up action, with fans just a few feet from the players. Between matches, walkways fill with interactive areas, sponsor activations, and food spots that keep the energy going throughout the day.

Players are often seen moving through the grounds, adding a layer of accessibility that makes the experience feel personal. During these days, the Foro Italico becomes a city within the city.

Jasmine Paolini  @Internazionali BNL d'Italia

Tickets and key information

Rome is fully immersed in the tournament. And each day adds something new: a match that electrifies the crowd, a shot that turns heads, a moment that becomes part of the story.

Cover Ph. @Internazionali BNL d'Italia