Rome Open WTA 2026: Draw, Schedule, Entry List, Prize Money and Predictions

From 5-16 May, the Rome Open also known as the InternazionalI BNL d'Italia is due to take place and is the second main tournament before Roland Garros on the schedule.

A WTA 1000, it had a fairytale story last year with Jasmine Paolini scooping the title. The home hope queen returns this year alongside a supporting cast that includes Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.

Amanda Anisimova and Karolina Muchova also return after missing Madrid and it is the final chance for many to get their arm in ahead of Roland Garros to come.

(as per ticktocktennis.com)

Unlike other tournaments including Madrid, Rome's pledge to have equal prize money didn't happen yet. The 2026 prize money has not been confirmed yet but there was 877,390 euros for the winner last year in Jasmine Paolini.

The final tournament draws are confirmed 3 days before play starts.

The women's draws at the Italian Open gets underway on Tuesday 5 May. The schedule is confirmed on Monday 4 May as a result.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Iva Jovic winning the title.

I'm going to go out on a limb here. For me none of the big names aside from perhaps Sabalenka are in good fettle. Most lost early in Madrid including Rybakina.

But I think one player who is looking good already despite a comeback loss is Iva Jovic. The American 18-year-old is looking more like an adult as the season goes on and her game suits this surface in what is her first full year really as a top pro.

She lost only due to a comeback win for Leylah Fernandez so I see Jovic winning. Perhaps even with Amanda Anisimova after some time off popping back into the picture, same with Karolina Muchova who didn't play Madrid and will no doubt be well rested.

*** Iva Jovic

** Amanda Anisimova, Karolina Muchova

Lucas Michael, Editor for TennisUpToDate.com sees Elena Rybakina sealing the title.

We are already coming to the sixth WTA 1000 tournament of the year with Rome playing host to the next instalment of this electric season.

With all pathways leading to Roland Garros, a sense of optimism and motivation to travel to Paris in good form for many of the top players is a priority. That cannot be said for reigning champion Jasmine Paolini, who in my opinion will lose those 1000 points and fall further down the rankings. That means the changing of the guard. We could see a new winner in the form of Aryna Sabalenka, depending on whether she turns up or puts all her eggs in one basket – Grand Slam glory in France. She will be one of the favourites for the event in Italy, however, with 2023 champion Elena Rybakina hot on her heels.

Three-time champion Iga Swiatek could cause a surprise and go deep. Emphasise on the surprise as a few years ago, she was winning on clay for fun. The last time she reached a final on the surface was the 2024 French Open with her form not great with that retirement in Madrid. The likes of Amanda Anisimova could be put in this boat as well whether she recovers from her wrist injury. Coco Gauff reached the final of this event last year. Her form has been rather unpredictable, needing to battle out many wins in tough circumstances. Two-time champion Elina Svitolina will have a period of rest before this tournament thanks to an early exit in Spain, meaning she will be fresh for this tournament.

Many names will be hopeful of glory, but for me I am going to hedge my bets with Rybakina claiming a second title in the Italian capital.

*** Elena Rybakina

** Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Svitolina

* Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva