Rome Is Ready: Sabalenka, Berrettini and Tsitsipas Headline Must-Watch Italian Open Showdowns on May 7
The clay courts of Italian Open are set to ignite on May 7 as some of tennis’ biggest stars prepare for blockbuster second-round battles in Rome. With Grand Slam implications, ATP and WTA rankings momentum, and Roland Garros looming just weeks away, every match at the Foro Italico suddenly carries extra weight.
From the explosive power of Aryna Sabalenka to the home-crowd energy surrounding Matteo Berrettini and the clay-court artistry of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Thursday’s action promises drama, intensity, and elite shot-making.
Here’s a full preview of the top matches to watch at the Italian Open on May 7, 2026.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Barbora Krejcikova: Power Meets Precision
Sabalenka enters Rome looking every bit like a title contender heading into Paris. Her aggressive baseline game, improved movement on clay, and dominant serve have transformed her into one of the most dangerous players on tour regardless of surface. Rome’s slower clay conditions actually help her more than many realize, giving her extra time to unload on returns and dictate rallies early.
Krejcikova, however, remains one of the smartest tactical players in women’s tennis. The Czech star thrives on variation, court positioning, and redirecting pace. If she can extend rallies and expose Sabalenka’s movement patterns, this matchup could quickly become complicated for the Belarusian.
Key Match Factors
- Sabalenka’s first-serve percentage
- Krejcikova’s ability to mix spins and angles
- Extended baseline exchanges on clay
- Mental composure in pressure moments
Prediction
Sabalenka’s raw power may simply overwhelm Krejcikova over two sets, especially if she controls the center of the court early. Still, this feels like one of the toughest draws possible for a seeded player in Rome.
Prediction: Sabalenka in three sets
Matteo Berrettini vs. Alexei Popyrin: Rome Crowd Ready for Berrettini Fever
Berrettini’s relationship with Italian fans is special, and Rome provides the perfect stage for the former Wimbledon finalist to build momentum during clay season. Injuries have interrupted portions of his career over the last few years, but when healthy, the Italian remains one of the most dangerous shot-makers in the sport.
His serve-plus-forehand combination becomes particularly lethal in best-of-three matches, where quick scoreboard pressure can dictate entire sets. Popyrin, meanwhile, arrives with confidence and enough firepower to make this dangerous.
The Australian has improved significantly on clay over the past two seasons. His flatter backhand and willingness to attack second serves could test Berrettini if rallies become physical.
Why This Match Matters
- Berrettini is seeking consistency before Roland Garros
- Popyrin continues rising in big ATP events
- The Rome crowd can dramatically shift momentum
- Both players rely heavily on first-strike tennis
Tactical Edge
If Berrettini lands a high percentage of first serves, he should control the majority of short points. But if Popyrin successfully extends rallies and attacks the Italian backhand, this contest could become much tighter than expected.
Prediction
The emotional energy inside the Foro Italico should give Berrettini an extra lift.
Prediction: Berrettini in straight sets
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Tomas Machac: A Dangerous Early Test
Tsitsipas has consistently produced elite results during clay season thanks to his heavy topspin forehand, athletic movement, and ability to transition forward. Rome historically suits his game perfectly, rewarding players who can construct points patiently while still finishing aggressively.
Machac, however, has quietly developed into one of the ATP Tour’s most dangerous floaters. The Czech star possesses outstanding timing off both wings and thrives at redirecting pace. His all-court instincts and counterpunching ability make him especially dangerous against aggressive opponents.
Match Themes to Watch
- Tsitsipas forehand dominance crosscourt
- Machac’s return positioning
- Net approaches and transition play
- Physical endurance in longer rallies
Pressure on Tsitsipas
With Roland Garros approaching quickly, every clay-court match becomes magnified for Tsitsipas. Deep runs in Rome traditionally signal confidence entering Paris, and he’ll want to avoid an early upset against an in-form opponent.
Prediction
Machac should push the Greek star into several difficult stretches, but Tsitsipas’ experience and clay-court comfort level may prove decisive late.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in three sets
Players Under the Spotlight in Rome
The beauty of the Italian Open lies in its ability to expose both contenders and vulnerabilities before Paris. Thursday’s featured matches carry significant implications not only for Rome, but also for the broader clay-court season narrative.
Can Sabalenka continue asserting herself as the woman to beat on clay? Will Berrettini feed off the Italian crowd and launch a deep run? And can Tsitsipas re-establish himself among the elite title threats at Roland Garros?
May 7 in Rome should provide plenty of answers.
