Rome is preparing for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia tennis tournament, also known as the Italian Open, by setting up a red clay court in the central Piazza del Popolo. The court will host the men's and women's pre-qualification matches until 4 May, in collaboration between the city and Federtennis, ahead of the 81st edition of the prestigious tennis event.

There will be two free pre-qualifying matches played twice a day, at 11.00 and 15.00, and the court will remain in place until 19 May for use by young players from local tennis clubs. The city says there may even be an appearance by Italian tennis stars Jannik Sinner or Matteo Berrettini at the court in Piazza del Popolo, ahead of the Italian Open which takes place at the Foro Italico from 6-19 May.