Hosted on the clay courts of the historic Foro Italico in the northwest corner of Rome, Italy’s International Tennis Open is one of the most anticipated sports events in the city.
Top international tennis players from all over the globe travel to the Eternal City for a chance to win the title. This year’s roster includes the world’s currently-ranking top three tennis players: Andy Murray from the UK (last year’s winner), Novak Djokovic from Serbia (4-time winner), Stan Wawrinka from Switzerland. Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal (7-time winner of the tournament) from Spain will also be returning to compete in this year’s matches. Qualification rounds take place in the preceding week, May 6-11. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official website for the International Tennis Open in Rome.
Still need tickets to see a match? Tickets are still available! Check here to purchase tickets online.
The Internazionli are the perfect excuse for a visit to Rome. In May the city is a dream: the weather is pleasant, the crowds of high season haven’t arrived yet, and the city is in full bloom. The Foro Italico sports campus is located in the north edge of the historic center and can be a bit of a hike from some areas of the city. If the tennis open is the main reason you’re in Rome, we recommend staying close by to make getting around easier.
Serena Williams at International Tennis Open in Rome 2016 (photo credit: Antonio Costantini, link )
A Day at the International Tennis Open in Rome
We’ve put together a mini-itinerary for a day at the International Tennis Open in Rome:
Visiting with your significant other or another couple? Stay at our MAXXI vacation rental near Foro Italico and enjoy breakfast at home. Stock up on groceries at any of the nearby supermarkets or go on a croissant run from the local bar to enjoy breakfast in bed.
The Foro Italico stadium where the tennis matches are held is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the apartment walking along the Tiber River. Spend the day watching the matches in the historic sports complex, commissioned in the 1930s by Mussolini in hopes to win the bid for the 1944 Olympics.
For lunch, peruse the food stands located on the sporting grounds. Local restaurants from all over the city set up pop-up restaurants to feed hungry tennis fans, offering a wide variety of menus, from gelato to street food to pizza and pasta. Click here for more General Info on the Tennis Open facilities.
In the late afternoon, after a long day watching tennis matches head for a nice walk to the tram to go into the city for dinner at a traditional Roman hosteria: Hosteria da Pietro (Via di Gesù e Maria, 18, 00187 Roma, www.hostariadapietro.it/. Heading back toward the MAXXI apartment and continuing down the street will take you right to a Tram #2 stop. Take the tram to the end of it’s course at Flaminio. Take a few selfies and walk through the stunning open space of Piazza del Popolo and head down Via del Corso on the other side. Via del Corso at dusk is a beautiful, prestigious street to meander, pop into shops, and just enjoy the sights. After a few blocks, hang a left on Via di Gesù e Maria and you’ll find Hosteria da Pietro tucked away. Dine al fresco in the narrow street, away from the hustle and bustle of the other streets, enjoying deliciously authentic Roman dishes.
Head back home the same way you came, but make sure to leave room for dessert. What’s a nighttime stroll in Rome without a little gelato?
Now just repeat this itinerary for as many days as you’ll stay in Rome.
Have you visited the International Tennis Open in Rome before? Share your experiences in the comments below!
*Cover Image photo credit: Antonio Costantini (link)
