Next week, the **Hologic WTA Tour** lights up the clay courts once again with its second consecutive WTA 1000 event—the **Internazionali BNL d’Italia** in the enchanting city of **Rome, Italy**.
This tournament is not just another sporting event; it’s a storied affair that has captivated fans since 1930, marking its **82nd edition** this year.
For all the eager fans and aficionados, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about this **thrilling tournament**:
Essential Details About the Tournament
Rome: Draws | Scores | Order of Play
Tournament Format and Schedule
A veritable showcase of talent awaits, as **68 of the Top 70 players** in the PIF WTA Rankings will compete in this **96-player singles draw**. Here’s a quick breakdown of the schedule:
- Main-Draw Start Date: Tuesday, May 6
- Singles Final: Saturday, May 17, not before 5 p.m.
- Doubles Final: Sunday, May 18, at 12 p.m.
- Qualifying Dates: Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6
- Main-Draw Ceremony: Monday, May 5, at 11 a.m.
- Singles Main-Draw Size: 96 players (including 12 qualifiers and 8 wild cards); first-round byes for the 32 seeds
- Doubles Main-Draw Size: 32 teams
- Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (BST +1, EST +6)
- Tournament Ball: Dunlop Fort Clay Court
Ranking Points and Prize Money Breakdown
With substantial stakes on the line, players will compete not only for glory but also for impressive prize money:
| Round | Ranking Points | Prize Money (€) |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | 10 points | 13,150 |
| Second Round | 35 points | 21,215 |
| Third Round | 65 points | 38,313 |
| Round of 16 | 120 points | 66,110 |
| Quarterfinals | 215 points | 124,700 |
| Semi-finals | 390 points | 240,380 |
| Finalist | 650 points | 456,735 |
| Champion | 1000 points | 877,390 |
Notable Highlights and Storylines
As the event approaches, several **exciting narratives** are unfolding that fans won’t want to miss:
- Defending Champion Iga Swiatek: The Polish powerhouse is on a quest for her **fourth title** in Rome, having dominated this tournament with wins in **2023, 2022, and 2024**. Impressively, her win-loss record here stands at **90.9%**!
- Aryna Sabalenka’s Debut as World No. 1: As she enters Rome with her head held high, Sabalenka aims to continue her stellar performance after reaching the finals in the previous year, showing an upward trajectory from her past struggles.
- Elina Svitolina’s Comeback: With a history of success in Rome, winning back-to-back titles in **2017 and 2018**, Svitolina is re-entering the spotlight with fierce determination.
- Challengers in the Spotlight: Stars like **Coco Gauff** are also gaining momentum. After her spectacular performance in Madrid, Gauff aims to echo that success on the Roman clay, while **Jasmine Paolini** seeks redemption as she competes at her home event as a Top 10 player.
In conclusion, the **Internazionali BNL d’Italia** promises to be a tournament brimming with excitement, talent, and compelling stories. Don’t miss the chance to follow the action as these world-class players vie for supremacy on one of the grandest stages in tennis!
