Rome, clay, Nadal: 13 questions about the 2022 Italian Open
All you need to know about the upcoming 2022 Italian Open, the final clay court Masters Series event before the French Open
2021 Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Italian Open) in Rome
Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic
Where does the Internazionali BNL D’Italia take place?
The Internazionali BNL d’Italia, or Italian Open, is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tournament. It is held in Italy on the courts of the Foro Italico sports complex. Located in the north of Rome, in the Della Vittoria district, the complex was built between 1928 and 1938 and hosted the 1960 Olympic Games. The tennis courts are thus right next to Rome’s Olympic Stadium.
The stadium’s address is: Viale del Foro Italico, 00135 Roma RM, Italy.
When does the tournament take place?
The ATP Masters Series edition of the 2022 Italian Open Open will see the main draw begin on Sunday, May 8 with the final being scheduled for the following Sunday, May 15.
The WTA edition of the 2022 Italian Open will kick off on May 9 and run through May 15.
On which surface is the Italian Open played?
The Internazionali BNL d’Italia is played on outdoor clay courts, outdoors. It is the final major tune-up event ahead of the French Open.
Who are the defending champions at the Italian Open?
In 2021, Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 to win a record 10th Rome Masters title. In the women’s final, Iga Swiatek blanked Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-0 to win her first title in Rome.
In doubles, the pair of Nikola Mektic/ Mate Pavic defeated Rajeev Ram/ Joe Salisbury 6-4, 7-6 to capture the men’s title while Sharon Fichman/ Giuliana Olmos lifted the women’s trophy with a 4-6, 7-5, 10-5 win over Kristina Mladenovic and Marketa Vondrousova.
How many times has Rafael Nadal won in Rome?
Rafael Nadal has won the men’s singles titles in Rome 10 times – the most by any player in the history of the tournament. The Spaniard won the title in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
He has also reached the final on two other occasions – 2011 and 2014 , losing to Djokovic both times.
American legend Chris Evert leads the tally for most singles titles on the women’s side, having triumphed in Rome on five occasions – 1974, 1975, 1980, 1981, and 1982.
Who were the previous winners of the Italian Open?
In men’s singles, the winners of the Madrid Masters 1000 event over the past 15 editions have been :
- 2021 – Rafael Nadal
- 2020 – Novak Djokovic
- 2019 – Rafael Nadal
- 2018 – Rafael Nadal
- 2017 – Alexander Zverev
- 2016 – Andy Murray
- 2015 – Novak Djokovic
- 2014 – Novak Djokovic
- 2013 – Rafael Nadal
- 2012 – Rafael Nadal
- 2011 – Novak Djokovic
- 2010 – Rafael Nadal
- 2009 – Rafael Nadal
- 2008 – Novak Djokovic
- 2007 – Rafael Nadal
- 2006 – Rafael Nadal
- 2005 – Rafael Nadal
In the women’s singles, the winners over the same period have been:
- 2021 – Iga Swiatek
- 2020 – Simona Halep
- 2019 – Karolína Plíšková
- 2018 – Elina Svitolina
- 2017 – Elina Svitolina
- 2016 – Serena Williams
- 2015 – Maria Sharapova
- 2014 – Serena Williams
- 2013 – Serena Williams
- 2012 – Maria Sharapova
- 2011 – Maria Sharapova
- 2010 – Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez
- 2009 – Dinara Safina
- 2008 – Jelena Jankovic
- 2007 – Jelena Jankovic
- 2006 – Martina Hingis
- 2005 – Amélie Mauresmo
What is the draw size?
The men’s draw will feature 56 singles players and 32 doubles teams. Meanwhile, the women’s event will feature 64 singles players and 28 doubles teams.
How many ranking points can players earn in Rome?
For men, as for the other Masters 1000, ATP points are allotted as follows:
- Title: 1000 points
- Final: 600 points
- Semi-final: 360 points
- Quarter-final: 180 points
- Round of 16: 90 points
- 2nd round: 45 points
- 1st round: 10 points
For the women, WTA points in Rome are allocated as follows:
- Title: 900 points
- Final: 620 points
- Semi-final: 395 points
- Quarter-final: 225 points
- Round of 16: 125 points
- 2nd round: 70points
- 1st round: 1 point
What is the prize money at the 2022 Italian Open?
The WTA event in Rome offers a total player compensation pool of $2,527,250 while the ATP event offers prize money of €4,332,325.
Will Russian and Belarusian players be allowed to play in Rome?
The discussion around Russian and Belarusian players being allowed to play tournaments has become a burning topic in the tennis world after Wimbledon’s decision to ban players from those two countries from playing the 2022 Championships on account of their invasion of Ukraine.
While reports had suggested that the Italian government may also adopt a similar approach for the Italian Open, as of date, Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete in Rome.
How can you buy tickets for the 2022 Italian Open?
Tickets for the Italian Open are available on the tournament website.
How can you watch the Italian Open on TV?
Tennis Channel is the official broadcaster of the ATP Italian Open in the United States. In France, you can watch the men’s tournament on Canal+, Eurosport. ESPN is the official broadcaster in South America. Amazon Prime Video holds broadcasting rights in the United Kingdom. For other regions, you can check out the schedule on the ATP Tour website.
As per the WTA Tour website, WTA events are broadcast on the Tennis Channel in the United States, and beIN network in France.
Can I follow the Italian Open on social media?
Yes, you can follow the Italian Open on Instagram (109,000 followers), Twitter (49,300 followers) and Facebook (156,000 followers). The tournament also has its own channel on YouTube, which can be accessed here.
