Djokovic, Rune, and Svitolina Set to Shine at Prestigious Rome Masters

Novak Djokovic, the top seed, will kick off his quest for a seventh Rome title against Roman Safiullin or a qualifier, while Holger Rune looks to replicate his strong performance from last year, as the absence of Rafael Nadal opens up the tournament. Elina Svitolina, seeded 16th in the women's draw, highlights the impressive return of some of the game's leading mothers, including Aryna Sabalenka, who will face a stern test from Iga Swiatek in a potential quarterfinal clash.

Djokovic, Rune, and Svitolina Set to Grace the Prestigious Rome Masters

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will make his highly anticipated return to the tennis court at the forthcoming Internazionali BNL d'Italia, more commonly known as the Rome Masters. Djokovic, who has not played competitively since reaching the semifinals of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, will be aiming to capture his seventh Rome title, having last triumphed in 2022.

The Serbian superstar will commence his campaign against either Russian Roman Safiullin or a qualifier, hoping to replicate his impressive performances from last year's tournament. "I believe the quarterfinal and semifinal I played here last year were some of the best matches of my career," recalled Djokovic, reflecting on his 2023 run. "The atmosphere is always electric, so I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope to perform at the same level this year."

Meanwhile, rising star Holger Rune, who enjoyed a memorable run at the 2023 Rome Masters, reaching the semifinals, expressed his eagerness to return to the Italian capital. "This is an amazing city with very passionate fans. I hope to see everyone at the Foro Italico," said Rune, who is confident about his chances of replicating his previous success.

In the women's draw, two-time Rome Masters champion Elina Svitolina, seeded 16th, echoed Rune's sentiments, praising the tournament's atmosphere and the city's vibrant energy. "I'm really looking forward to playing again, starting the tournament, and feeling the energy of the people," said Svitolina, who is currently ranked 19th in the world.

The 29-year-old Ukrainian is making an impressive return to competitive tennis after taking maternity leave. Since her return in January, she has re-entered the Top 20, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 Roland Garros, the semifinals of Wimbledon, and the fourth round of this year's Australian Open.

Svitolina highlighted the importance of sports for children and expressed her desire to inspire young athletes. "I want to motivate kids to play tennis or discover their sport. I think it's crucial for them to engage in sports," she said.

Joking about her daughter, Skaï, whom she shares with fellow tennis player Gaël Monfils, Svitolina said it was too early to introduce her to the sport. "She's only one and a half years old, but she already runs around the house with a tennis racquet. I'm sure she'll eventually discover tennis, but we're going to try and introduce different sports to her."

Svitolina finds herself in the same section of the draw as No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka. She will face either Sara Errani or Amanda Anisimova in her first match. Sabalenka, who narrowly lost to Iga Swiatek in the Madrid Open final, will open against either Wang Yafan or a qualifier. Swiatek, the top seed, will face either American Caroline Dolehide or a qualifier.

The Internazionali BNL d'Italia, scheduled from May 8th to 15th, promises an enthralling spectacle, with a star-studded field vying for the coveted titles in both the men's and women's competitions.