The entry list for the Internazionali BNL d`Italia has been announced, promising another exciting WTA 1000 clay-court tournament this spring.
All of the top 71 players from the WTA Rankings as of April 7th are confirmed for the main draw of this esteemed event, celebrating its 82nd year. The main tournament action in Rome is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, May 6.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek are the top seeds and are expected to compete in a highly anticipated rematch of the previous year`s final. In 2024, Swiatek claimed the Rome title by defeating Sabalenka in straight sets.
Completing the top 5 entries are three American players: Jessica Pegula, currently at a career-high No. 3 ranking after her Charleston victory, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys.
Italy`s own Jasmine Paolini, ranked World No. 6, will be a major attraction for local fans as she seeks her first singles title on home ground.
Swiatek boasts three Rome titles already (2021, 2022, and 2024). Joining her in the entry list are two other past champions: Elina Svitolina, a two-time winner (2017 and 2018), and Elena Rybakina, the 2023 champion.
Keys reached the Rome final in 2016, where she was defeated by Serena Williams. Other past Rome finalists in this year`s draw include Victoria Azarenka (2013), Ons Jabeur (2022), and Anhelina Kalinina (2023).
Four players have gained entry into the main draw using special rankings, including two Grand Slam champions: Petra Kvitova, who recently returned from maternity leave, and Bianca Andreescu. Sorana Cirstea and Anastasija Sevastova will also participate via special ranking.
Renata Zarazua of Mexico is currently the last direct entry at World No. 71. The first alternates for main draw entry are Caroline Dolehide from the United States, ranked No. 72, and Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala, ranked No. 73. Eala recently achieved significant milestones for the Philippines by reaching the Miami semifinals and entering the Top 100.
