Who will emerge victorious at the Foro Italico when the clay is dry. Queen Iga or Arnya? King Novak or Carlos?
The Italian Open is one of the most sought-after tickets on the way to Paris. In 2023, the Italian Tennis Federation awarded yet another wild card to one of the most iconic Italian players of modern era, Fabio Fognini who boasts most victories of any Italian man in the Open Era, highlighted by the biggest win of his career over No. 1 Murray at the Foro Italico in 2017 (and repeated to knock out the former grand slam winner in round one of 2023)! Two years later, in 2019, he became the first Italian ATP Masters 1000 champion, beating Nadal for the third time on clay. Turning to the women’s, in 2022 Ons Jabeur — from near that other ancient Roman City, Carthage, Tunisia — came close to capturing the title, but the reigning WTA No. 1, Iga Świątek kept her crown.
Built between 1932 and 1938 for the 1940 Olympics — ultimately diverted to Helsinki before being cancelled — the Foro Italico (once the Foro Mussolini) offers competitors 15 clay tennis courts and the Stadio Olimpico, a 10,500 arena that opened in 2010 to replace the former centre court. The proverbial Court No. 1 is Stadio Nicola Pietrangeli, renamed in 2006 after one of Italy’s best tennis players. With a capacity of 3,720, this court is surrounded by 18 marble statues, depicting Olympic athletes. Beginning life as the “Olimpico della racchetta” (Olympic Racket Stadium), it hosted one of the first Davis Cup matched between Italy and Switzerland in 1934.
PLAY
Circolo Parioli is a prestigious tennis club situated in the elegant residential Parioli neighbourhood, nestled amongst a maze of tree-lined streets and lush gardens (including the Villa Borghese Park, one of Rome’s most beautiful gardens open to the public). After hitting on the plus 20 courts or taking a dip in the pool, your appetite will be up and it won’t be disappointed in Parioli which is a big player in Rome’s gastronomy scene. Visit the traditional and well-loved Ambasciata D’Abruzzo for traditional Roman cuisine before walking it off in the Borghese Gallery amongst the art of Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova and Raphael.
Psst…member tip: One of our Roman members told us to keep this under our visors but we can’t resist. Top five best places for an aperitivo in Rome and frequented by locals includes Duke’s which is situated in the Parioli neighbourhood. It’s also a good spot for lunch or dinner with a bit of music (and possible dancing) on Fridays. Happy hour is 18:00 – 20:00.
A slightly smaller but no less premium club in Rome is the Circolo Aniene Tennis Club bedded in the tranquil green surrounds of the Aniene River. The club boasts six tournament standard red clay courts and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The club was initially a rowing club, founded in 1892, a testament to its proximity and long standing relationship with the city of Rome and the Aniene river which gently flows past the club and then joins the Tiber in northern Rome.
MUST SEE
Of course, in the capital of Catholicism, the Vatican museums followed by St Peter’s Basilica, beckon the fervent and the agnostic. Skip the lines with a private tour guide. Besides the other must-sees (the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain), for art-lovers you’ll want to dig into the Galleria Borghese Museum. Simply walking around Rome’s central streets in the vicinity of the Pantheon is a treat and a constant (in a good way) history lesson. Take a load off with a refreshing beverage adjacent to this most preserved monument of Ancient Rome and watch the world go by.
SLEEP
The All Court Tennis Club partners with hotels around the world, providing our members with unique benefits such as preferential rates and perks. If you’d like to become a complimentary member of the All Court Tennis Club (and we’d certainly like that!) visit our membership page here.
Hotel Russie
We like the Rocco Forte hotel group generally, and in Italy especially. We partner with their Sicilian tennis (and golf (and beach)) resort, the Verdura Resort in Italy for example. Their Hotel Russie in the Italian capital is one of our picks for a drink in Rome, but you should also experience a night or two here if you can. Its unassuming exterior belies the treasure trove that awaits within, with the lobby exuding an air of understated luxury. Marble floors, ornate chandeliers, and carefully curated artwork whisper stories of the city’s rich history.
For those seeking unparalleled views, the suites at Hotel Russie are the way to go. Picture yourself on a private terrace, sipping a glass of fine Italian wine while gazing out over the iconic rooftops of Rome. The panoramic vistas of the city’s landmarks, including the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, paint a breathtaking backdrop that amplifies the romance and allure of the Italian capital.
You can start your day with breakfast at Le Jardin de Russie, a courtyard oasis adorned with vibrant flowers and cascading vines and the hotel’s opulent spa, situated in the ancient ruins of Rome’s stone theatre, is a special indulgence after those long shopping and sight seeing walks.
