Date: May 7–18, 2025
Venue: Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
Surface: Clay (Outdoor)
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Prize Money: €8,055,385
Tournament Overview
The Internazionali BNL d’Italia, also known as the Rome Masters, is the final ATP Masters 1000 event on clay before Roland Garros. The tournament is known for its slow, gritty conditions, favoring players with strong baseline endurance and tactical shot-making.
This year’s edition features top-ranked players, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and defending champion Alexander Zverev. However, Novak Djokovic has opted to withdraw, likely focusing on the French Open.
Key Players to Watch
Jannik Sinner (World No. 1, Italy)
- Returning after a three-month doping suspension.
- Has yet to win a major clay title, but his 54-24 career record on clay suggests he’s capable.
- His varied shot selection and improved net play could make him a serious contender.
Carlos Alcaraz (World No. 2, Spain)
- Defeated Sinner on clay at Roland Garros last year.
- His aggressive baseline play and ability to mix pace make him dangerous in Rome’s conditions.
Alexander Zverev (Defending Champion, Germany)
- Always a force on clay, with a strong serve and defensive skills.
- Looking to defend his 2024 Rome title and build momentum for Roland Garros.
Tournament Conditions & Playing Style
- Rome’s clay courts are slower than Madrid, meaning long rallies and endurance will be crucial.
- Surface Speed: 0.67 (33% lower ace rate than tour average).
- Players with strong rally tolerance and strategic shot placement will thrive.
Early Round Matchups to Watch
- Matteo Arnaldi (No. 37) vs. Roberto Bautista Agut (No. 56) – Arnaldi is favored with a 71.4% win probability, but Bautista Agut’s experience could make this a close battle.
- Petra Kvitova vs. Irina-Camelia Begu – Kvitova leads the head-to-head 6-1, but Begu has a strong clay-court record.
Tournament Predictions
- Sinner (+200) is the betting favorite, but rust from his suspension could be a factor.
- Alcaraz and Zverev are strong contenders, given their clay-court success.
- Expect long, grinding matches, with players needing mental and physical endurance to succeed.
How to Watch
- Live Coverage: Tennis Channel, FuboTV.
- Streaming: Tennis TV, ESPN.
