The 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Italian Open) opens this week in Rome, serving as the final ATP and WTA 1000-level clay-court event before Roland Garros. As one of the most prestigious stops on the clay calendar, this tournament offers massive ranking points, a seven-figure prize pool, and a critical read on form heading into the season’s second Grand Slam.
On the men’s side, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner returns after a three-month suspension stemming from a doping violation. Despite retaining his ranking, match fitness and rhythm are unknowns. Carlos Alcaraz, fully recovered from an adductor injury, is drawn in the bottom half, away from Sinner, and carries the kind of form and firepower that makes him the player to beat.

On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek comes in as the defending champ with three titles already in Rome and a 21–2 lifetime record at the event. Though she hasn’t secured a WTA title yet in 2025 — her dominance on clay, consistency in this tournament, and ability to control rallies give her a clear edge over the field. Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina all enter with confidence, but Swiatek’s history in Rome speaks for itself.

That said, don’t overlook some rising threats. Jack Draper continues to ride his Madrid momentum and offers legitimate upset potential in a crowded quarter. On the women’s side, Jessica Pegula is showing signs of rhythm on clay after winning her first career title on the surface in Charleston. While that was green clay, it still helped her build confidence heading into Rome. She’s striking the ball cleanly and playing within herself. If she keeps that up, she’s capable of playing into the second week.

 

 

 

Internazionali BNL d’Italia Free Pick & Best Bet: Carlos Alcaraz (+275) & Iga Swiatek (+225) to Win Outright

 

 

 

Carlos Alcaraz to Win ATP Title (+275 at BetMGM)

Alcaraz is built for this surface. Slower clay gives him time to create, defend, and control the match on his terms.
He hasn’t won Rome yet, but he’s looked composed through the early rounds. The surface plays to his strengths — giving him time to build points, showcase his feel, and lean into the physicality few can match in long rallies.

The road ahead is tricky. Alexander Zverev, the defending champ in Rome, is in his quarter and holds the head-to-head edge. He’s also coming off a title run in Munich, so his form is trending up. Casper Ruud, who beat Alcaraz at the Nitto Finals (for the first time), could be waiting in the semis. And while Stefanos Tsitsipas has never beaten him, he’s finally stringing together confident ball striking again. It’s a tough draw, but one that still leans Alcaraz’s way if he’s close to his top level.

Sinner enters as the betting favorite but hasn’t played since March. Ruud’s been the most reliable on clay this spring, giving him value at +1600, and Zverev is dangerous but still shaky sometimes in big moments. But when Alcaraz is in rhythm, no one blends creativity, defense, and shot execution quite like him.

 

 

 

Iga Swiatek to Win WTA Title (+225 at BetMGM)

It’s hard to overstate how comfortable Swiatek is on these courts. She’s won in Rome three times and is defending her 2024 title. Her movement, precision, and ability to absorb pace, especially on slower clay, make her a nightmare matchup for just about everyone in the draw.

Swiatek’s early rounds are manageable, with potential matchups against Danielle Collins and Elina Svitolina. She holds favorable head-to-head records against both. If she finds rhythm by midweek, it’s hard to envision anyone (even a surging Sabalenka) knocking her off her perch in Rome.

 

 

 

How To Watch The Internazionali BNL d’Italia

Coverage of the Italian Open is available live in the United States on Tennis Channel and Tennis Channel Plus.

2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia Odds & Betting Lines Via BetMGM

Men’s Outright Winner Odds:

  • Jannik Sinner: +200
  • Carlos Alcaraz: +275
  • Alexander Zverev: +900
  • Casper Ruud: +1600

Women’s Outright Winner Odds:

  • Iga Swiatek: +225
  • Aryna Sabalenka: +275
  • Coco Gauff: +800
  • Mirra Andreeva: +900

 

 

 

When Is The Internazionali BNL d’Italia

The tournament runs from Monday, May 6, through Sunday, May 18.

How To Bet On Carlos Alcaraz at BetMGM & Get $1,500 In Bonuses

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