Rome tennis tournament opens with infrastructure upgrades and top seeds

The 83rd edition of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia commenced in Rome on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, marking the start of a critical phase in the international tennis calendar. Held at the Foro Italico complex, the combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 clay-court tournament is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, May 17. The event serves as a pivotal preparation stop on the spring swing, positioned between the Monte-Carlo Masters and the upcoming Roland Garros Grand Slam.

This year’s iteration of the tournament introduces significant infrastructure changes to the historic venue. The Foro Italico has undergone renovations that include the establishment of a new Grand Stand Arena within the Stadio dei Marmi. According to information provided regarding the event’s broadcasting partner, NOW, this facility is designated as the second most important court at the venue in terms of prestige and seating capacity, reflecting a shift in the operational layout of the competition.

The competitive field is anchored by Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1 in the ATP rankings, who is set to lead the men’s draw. Domestic interest is expected to be high, with Italian competitors Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini participating in the men’s and women’s draws, respectively. The tournament’s structure involves daily matches across multiple sessions, running from the opening rounds through to the final.

The event’s media coverage is managed through exclusive streaming rights held by NOW, which has been highlighted in promotional materials for the tournament. The service offers comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours, alongside other major sporting events including Formula 1, MotoGP, and UEFA competitions. Subscription models for the platform are listed at €19.99 annually or €29.99 monthly, with the provider noting that the article detailing these rights was translated into English by artificial intelligence.

As the tournament progresses, it reinforces its status as one of the most prestigious events of the clay-court season. The combination of high-profile players, updated venue facilities, and extensive media distribution underscores the institutional importance of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia within the broader framework of professional tennis governance and scheduling.