• Jannik Sinner returns to tennis at the Italian Open after serving a three-month suspension, making this tournament his first appearance since winning the Australian Open.
• Emma Raducanu is optimistic about a 'fresh start' at the Italian Open, while Katie Boulter focuses on improving her clay-court performance in preparation for the grass season.
• The Italian Open boasts a strong field of competitors, but Novak Djokovic will be absent as he focuses on preparing for the French Open.

The 2025 Italian Open, held at the Foro Italico in Rome from May 6-19, is a significant clay-court tournament featuring top players from the ATP and WTA tours. Jannik Sinner's return from suspension is a major storyline, while other notable players like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and Alexander Zverev are also competing. The tournament is a crucial lead-up to the French Open and offers players a chance to refine their skills on clay.

• What: The 2025 Italian Open, a major clay-court tennis tournament, is taking place at the Foro Italico in Rome.
• Who: Key players include Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Raducanu, and Katie Boulter.
• When: The tournament runs from May 6-19, 2025. Men's competition begins May 7, women's on May 6.
• Where: Foro Italico, Rome, Italy.

The 2025 Italian Open presents several compelling storylines. Jannik Sinner's return after a three-month suspension is highly anticipated, but his match fitness remains a question. Emma Raducanu's fresh start and Katie Boulter's clay-court development add intrigue to the women's draw. Novak Djokovic's absence shifts the focus to other top contenders. The tournament's slower court conditions favor players with strong baseline games and rally tolerance, making it a different challenge compared to the faster Madrid Open.

"It is exciting, it does feel like a bit of a fresh start with the way I am approaching everything, with the people I have around, with my mindset and outlook."

"Playing in Rome is a totally different ball game... The courts are heavy, the balls are heavy, and if you play at night, it can be even heavier."

The 2025 Italian Open is poised to deliver captivating narratives, highlighted by Sinner's comeback after a three-month suspension and his quest for a home victory, Raducanu's pursuit of a fresh start with adjusted training, and Boulter's ambition to build on her clay-court game. The absence of Djokovic, a six-time champion, significantly alters the landscape of the men's field. Sinner, seeded No. 1, faces a potentially challenging path, including possible matches against Davidovich Fokina, Cerundolo, and Ruud. Alcaraz, recovering from injury, and defending champion Zverev add further intrigue to the men's draw. The women's draw is headlined by World No. 1 Sabalenka, arriving fresh off a title in Madrid, and Swiatek, the defending champion, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for the title. British players Raducanu, Boulter, and Kartal are set to make their mark, with Raducanu aiming to capitalize on a favorable opening draw. Other notable contenders include Draper, who is in good form on clay, and Paolini, carrying Italian hopes in the women's singles. The unique conditions of the Foro Italico, combined with the blend of returning stars and emerging talents, promise compelling matches and the potential for unexpected outcomes.