The 2026 edition of the Italian Open continues on May 10 with a thrilling slate of matches in Rome, featuring established stars, rising prodigies, and one of Italy’s biggest homegrown hopes. With the clay-court season nearing its peak before French Open, every match at Foro Italico carries added importance for rankings, confidence, and momentum heading into Paris.

Fans can expect explosive baseline rallies, tactical clay-court chess matches, and emotional atmospheres as the tournament intensifies. Here’s a complete preview of three must-watch contests on Sunday in Rome.

Elina Svitolina (7) vs Hailey Baptiste (32)

Can Svitolina’s Clay Experience Stop Baptiste’s Breakthrough Run?

Former Rome semifinalist Elina Svitolina enters this matchup as one of the most dangerous clay-court players in the women’s draw. The seventh seed has rediscovered her elite movement, defensive consistency, and tactical precision over the past 12 months, making her a serious contender for the title in Rome.

Across her career, Svitolina has thrived on slower surfaces where her counterpunching style frustrates aggressive opponents. Her ability to absorb pace, extend rallies, and turn defense into offense remains among the best in women’s tennis.

However, Hailey Baptiste arrives with momentum and nothing to lose.

The powerful American has quietly become one of the breakout stories of the tournament. Baptiste’s improved serving, fearless forehand, and willingness to attack early in rallies have helped her climb into the seeded ranks. Against Svitolina, she will likely attempt to shorten points and dictate play before the Ukrainian can settle into rhythm.

Key Matchup

• Svitolina’s movement and consistency vs Baptiste’s first-strike aggression
• Longer rallies heavily favor Svitolina
• Baptiste must maintain high first-serve percentages to pressure the favorite

Prediction

Baptiste has the weapons to make this competitive, but Svitolina’s clay-court IQ and experience in Rome should prove decisive over three sets.

Prediction: Svitolina in 3 sets

Alexander Blockx vs Alexander Zverev (2)

Rising Belgian Prospect Faces One of Clay’s Elite Forces

One of the most intriguing matches of the day features Belgian teenager Alexander Blockx against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.

For Blockx, this is a massive opportunity on one of tennis’ grandest clay stages. The young Belgian has impressed scouts with his athleticism, clean ball-striking, and maturity under pressure. His rapid rise through the ATP ranks has positioned him as one of the sport’s emerging talents.

But facing Zverev on clay is an entirely different challenge.

The German superstar remains one of the strongest clay-court players of his generation. With a massive serve, elite backhand, and exceptional court coverage for his height, Zverev is once again building momentum toward Roland Garros.

What makes Zverev particularly dangerous in Rome is his patience. He is comfortable constructing points over extended rallies while still possessing the firepower to finish quickly when opportunities appear.

What Blockx Must Do

• Attack second serves aggressively
• Avoid passive baseline exchanges
• Take risks early in rallies
• Keep points short whenever possible

Why Zverev Holds the Edge

Prediction

Blockx may produce flashes of brilliance, but Zverev’s heavy baseline game and superior physicality should eventually overwhelm the Belgian youngster.

Prediction: Zverev in straight sets

Lorenzo Musetti (8) vs Francisco Cerundolo (25)

The Match of the Day in Rome?

This could easily become the most entertaining match on the May 10 schedule.

Italian star Lorenzo Musetti enters Rome carrying the hopes of the home crowd and perhaps the finest all-court artistry on the ATP Tour. His one-handed backhand, touch, angles, and creativity make him one of the sport’s most captivating players to watch on clay.

But Francisco Cerundolo is no stranger to thriving on dirt.

The Argentine’s heavy forehand and relentless topspin are perfectly suited for clay conditions, and he has repeatedly proven capable of upsetting top players during the European swing. Cerundolo’s ability to dictate with inside-out forehands could pressure Musetti’s backhand wing and force the Italian into defensive positions.

Tactical Battle to Watch

This contest may come down to rhythm:

• Musetti wants variety, angles, and changes of pace
• Cerundolo prefers heavy topspin exchanges and physical rallies

If Musetti can bring the crowd into the match early, the atmosphere inside Foro Italico could become a major factor.

Why Fans Should Watch

• Two elite clay-court shot-makers
• Contrasting styles
• Emotional Italian crowd energy
• Potential three-set thriller

Prediction

This matchup feels destined for dramatic momentum swings. Musetti’s creativity and home support could give him the narrow advantage in crucial moments.

Prediction: Musetti in 3 sets

Players to Watch Closely on May 10

• Elina Svitolina — One of the smartest tactical players on clay
• Hailey Baptiste — Emerging power player gaining confidence
• Alexander Zverev — Building momentum toward Roland Garros
• Alexander Blockx — Teenage prospect with upset potential
• Lorenzo Musetti — Crowd favorite with elite clay artistry
• Francisco Cerundolo — Dangerous clay-court grinder capable of deep runs

Final Thoughts

The May 10 schedule at the Italian Open perfectly captures what makes Rome such a beloved stop on the tennis calendar: elite clay-court tennis, passionate fans, and compelling storylines everywhere you look.

From Svitolina’s pursuit of another deep clay run, to Zverev’s march toward Paris, to Musetti attempting to ignite Italian dreams under the Roman sun, Sunday’s action promises world-class entertainment and major implications for the remainder of the clay season.