As the tennis world turns its focus to the idyllic Foro Italico in Rome, the anticipation for the 2026 Internazionali BNL d’Italia is palpable. Set to unfold from May 6 to May 17, with the qualifying rounds taking place on May 4 and 5, the event promises thrilling matches amid the stunning Italian backdrop.
This year’s tournament will kick off its main draw with first-round matches starting on May 6. The event will see a packed schedule, with subsequent rounds leading to the finals on May 17. Notably, there will be a brief intermission on May 16, reserved for semifinal matches in the men’s doubles and the women’s singles final, underscoring the tournament’s blend of elite competition and celebration of the sport.
The total prize purse for this prestigious tournament amounts to an impressive €8,235,540. The winner will walk away with a substantial €1,007,165 and 1000 ATP ranking points, while other players in the later rounds will also earn significant financial rewards and points to boost their standings.
Jannik Sinner stands as the tournament’s top seed and will be looking to clinch his first title on home soil, building on last year’s experience when he reached the finals. His main rival, Carlos Alcaraz, will not be competing this year due to a wrist injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the clay season—a major blow to the competition, given that Alcaraz triumphed over Sinner in the previous year’s final.
In addition to Sinner, the draw features renowned competitors, including Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and Lorenzo Musetti, among others. Djokovic, who has not taken to the courts since the Indian Wells, is expected to make his clay season debut at this tournament. The participation of rising stars such as Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud, and American sensation Ben Shelton adds to the intrigue.
Wild card entries will offer a chance for local talents to shine, with Matteo Berrettini, Mattea Arnaldi, Mattia Bellucci, Luca Nardi, and Federico Cina receiving invitations to the main draw, potentially invigorating the competition with fresh energy.
Joao Fonseca will also be aiming to regain his form after a third-round exit in Madrid, while Rafael Jodar, fresh off a quarterfinal appearance, looks to continue his ascent on the ATP tour.
With the draw ceremony on May 4, fans eagerly await the final matchups that will set the stage for another exhilarating chapter in Roman tennis history. The combination of world-class talent, the picturesque setting, and the stakes higher than ever ensures that the 2026 Internazionali BNL d’Italia will be an event not to be missed.
