The Italian Open starts soon! The Tennis Gazette has all the key information about the Men’s Singles event.
The clay court season is approaching its climax as the Monte Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, and Madrid Open are all behind us.
It’s now time for the second-biggest event on the surface, ahead of the second Grand Slam on the calendar at the French Open in two weeks.
Here is everything you need to know about the Italian Open, from how to watch to prize money.
Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty ImagesItalian Open Men’s Singles dates
The Italian Open Men’s Singles starts on Wednesday, May 7, with the top 32 players receiving byes into the second round. The final will take place on Sunday, May 18.
Where is the Italian Open?
The tournament has been played on the clay courts at Foro Italico since 1935. The venue is located in the northwestern part of Rome.
Foro Italico
- Address: Viale del Foro Italico, 00135 Roma RM, Italy
- Established: 1932
- Court type: Outdoor clay
- Stadium capacity: 10,500
Italian Open Men’s Singles players
The Italian Open is not only an ATP 1000 event but is also considered one of the biggest tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams.
All the best players have entered, including Jannik Sinner in his return from suspension. These are the top eight seeds this year:
- 1. Jannik Sinner
- 2. Alexander Zverev
- 3. Carlos Alcaraz
- 4. Taylor Fritz
- 5. Jack Draper
- 6. Casper Ruud
- 7. Alex de Minaur
- 8. Lorenzo Musetti
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesHow to watch the Italian Open Men’s Singles
American-based fans can watch live coverage of the Italian Open Men’s Singles on Tennis Channel and the TC Plus app.
Italian Open Men’s Singles prize money and ranking points
The total prize money on offer to the men’s singles players at the Italian Open over the next fortnight is over $8 million. The ATP 1000 event will award almost $1m to the winner.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesItalian Open Men’s Singles predictions
George Patten: Three months will surely have felt like a lifetime for Jannik Sinner, as he gets set to return to tennis in Rome following his suspension. It’s easy to forget that the Italian hasn’t lost a match since October and will take to the court in Rome, riding an impressive 21-match winning streak. With Novak Djokovic skipping the tournament, Alexander Zverev struggling for form, and Carlos Alcaraz coming back from injury, the stage looks set for Sinner to mark his return with a bang and win his first ‘big’ clay title.
Peter Lynch: It’s a big ask, but there have been plenty of upsets on the ATP Tour so far this season, and I think Joao Fonseca can cause another one and clinch his first of many major titles.