The clay season reaches a crucial stage at the Italian Open, staged at the historic Foro Italico. As the final major stop before the French Open, the tournament offers players a key opportunity to sharpen their form and build momentum heading into Paris.
Jannik Sinner enters as the standout favourite after an exceptional run in 2026, having claimed titles at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid while dropping very few sets. The Italian has opted to compete on home soil rather than rest, aiming to secure his first Rome title and further strengthen his grip on the top ranking. A potential meeting with Arthur Fils could provide an early indication of his readiness for the challenges ahead on clay.
On the women’s side, the draw arrives in Rome with a sense of uncertainty following a series of unexpected results at the Madrid Open. Leading names such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff will be looking to regain control after missing out on the latter stages in Madrid. In contrast, Marta Kostyuk claimed a breakthrough Masters 1000 title, while Mirra Andreeva and Hailey Baptiste emerged as rising threats. Whether Rome restores the expected hierarchy or continues the trend of surprises remains a key question.
Source: ATP Tour
Several emerging players also arrive with growing confidence. Rafael Jodar has quickly moved into seeded positions, while Alexander Blockx continues to build momentum through consistent performances. Kostyuk and Baptiste will look to carry their Madrid form forward, though both face challenging paths that will test their ability to sustain recent success.
The return of Novak Djokovic adds further intrigue to the tournament. With limited match play this season, his decision to compete in Rome signals a clear intention to prepare for Roland Garros. A six-time champion at the event, Djokovic has an exceptional record at the Foro Italico and a proven ability to peak at the right moment. However, questions remain over his current level, given his lack of recent clay-court action and extended time away from competition.
With Sinner in commanding form, the women’s field searching for consistency, and Djokovic re-entering the mix, the Italian Open is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable events of the season. The outcomes in Rome could offer valuable insight into who is truly ready to contend for the title in Paris.
