Italian Open in Rome: A comprehensive guide to the most eagerly anticipated tennis tournament

The Internazionali BNL d’Italia is a clay-court tennis tournament that forms part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 circuits. It is one of the most prestigious events ahead of Roland-Garros and represents a key milestone for the world's tennis champions. 

The tournament is held at the historic Foro Italico, one of Italy’s most iconic sports complexes.  Located just a few minutes from the centre of Rome, this venue combines sport and art, thanks to its monumental architecture and its grounds surrounded by greenery.

The Main Court hosts the main matches, while the secondary courts allow spectators to experience tennis up close, making the event even more immersive for visitors. For more information on the history and interesting facts about the Foro Italico, click on this link. 

Visiting Rome during the Internazionali d’Italia means experiencing the city at one of the best times of the year. The spring weather, the accompanying events and the international atmosphere make your stay even more special.

In addition to the classic attractions that tourists can explore, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican Museums, by combining sport and culture in a single trip, here are some off-the-beaten-track places you can include in your itinerary:

• The Rione Monti district, an area that combines bohemian charm, picturesque cobbled streets, craft shops and wine bars.
• The Giardino degli Aranci, perfect for a scenic break with a view of the city.
• The Basilica of San Clemente, a journey through history across three underground levels.
• The Garbatella district, ideal for discovering the most authentic side of Rome, with its courtyards and traditions.
• MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts, for lovers of contemporary art.

These alternative itineraries allow tourists to experience a different Rome, away from the crowds, enriching their travel experience with unexpected views and local atmospheres. Discover some of our itineraries that will take you on a journey to explore an unusual capital. Click on the link. 

The tournament follows a well-defined structure:

• Early days: qualifiers and early rounds, ideal for seeing a large number of matches and up-and-coming players
• Main phase: round of 16 and quarterfinals, featuring increasingly competitive matches
• Weekend finals: ATP and WTA semi-finals and finals, the most highly anticipated events

Throughout the day, matches take place on the various courts, giving visitors the opportunity to divide their time between tennis and relaxation.  

In addition to the matches, the Internazionali schedule includes training sessions open to the public, fan areas with events and entertainment, and food stands offering Italian and international cuisine.

To make the most of your experience at the Foro Italico, we recommend arriving in the morning to watch multiple matches, alternating between the main courts and the secondary courts for a more comprehensive experience, and checking the daily programme each day on the official website, which you can find at this link.

Tickets for the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome vary according to the court, the day and the stage of the tournament:

• Centre Court: ideal for watching the most important matches featuring the world's top players
• Grand Stand Arena: an excellent balance between quality and price
• Ground Pass: provides access to the secondary courts and areas of the Foro Italico, ideal for experiencing the tournament up close at a more affordable price

Tickets can be purchased online via official channels or authorised platforms; please avoid uncertified resellers. For more information, click on the link.

Are you in Rome for the Internazionali di Tennis? Take the opportunity to sample some Roman cuisine. From  rigatoni alla carbonara to bucatini all'amatriciana, from artichokes alla giudia or alla romana to the famous tripe alla romana, to supplì, and much more, there is something for everyone. You can find some useful tips for you at this link.

You have many options to get to the Foro Italico.

Among the many ways to get to the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, you can take advantage of a free shuttle service from Termini Station to the Foro Italico (and back), available only to ticket holders with a valid ticket for the day of use.

If you are going to the venue by car, take the Grande Raccordo Anulare (ring road) in the direction of Flaminia and take exit 6 (Flaminia). From there, follow the signs for the stadium (Foro Italico). 

There is a car park reserved for people with disabilities on Via dei Gladiatori – A7. 

By public transport, the area is served by Atac line 32. If you are travelling by train, from Tiburtina Station, take metro line B (direction Laurentina) to Termini and from there take metro line A (direction Battistini) to the Ottaviano stop (Via Barletta exit). Then take bus no. 32 (direction Saxa Rubra Station) to the De Bosis/Tennis Stadium stop. From Termini Station, you can take metro A (direction Battistini) to the Ottaviano stop (exit via Barletta); from here, take bus 32 (direction Saxa Rubra Station) to the De Bosis/Tennis Stadium stop.

Finally, if you are travelling by plane, from Rome-Fiumicino airport, you can get to Termini station by taxi, or by using the direct Leonardo Express train and public bus services (available at the exit of the arrivals terminal). From Rome-Ciampino Airport: You can get to Termini Station by taking one of the direct bus services available outside the arrivals terminal.

On the evenings of the Internazionali BNL, the Foro Italico transforms into one of Rome's most vibrant nightlife areas, featuring clubs and pop-up venues such as Magnolia, which opens to coincide with the tournament and operates throughout the summer season. Here, in the evenings, the venues are transformed into full-fledged nightlife hubs featuring DJ sets, house and commercial music, cocktail bars and private areas, attracting a young and international crowd.

During your stay for the Internazionali d’Italia, it is also worth exploring the area around Rome, which is rich in beautiful landscapes and charming villages. Just a few kilometres from the city, you will find destinations such as Tivoli, famous for its historic villas, including Villa d'Este, or Castelli Romani, which is ideal for an outing combining nature, lakes and food and wine traditions. For those seeking the sea, Ostia offers easily accessible beaches and the evocative archaeological site of Ostia Antica. This is the perfect opportunity to enhance your trip with authentic experiences beyond the capital.