According to sources the Internazionali BNL d'Italia is considering rescheduling for later in the year. Rome may roam to a new spot in the schedule.
The Italian Tennis Federation is considering staging the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in September as a tune-up tournament to Roland Garros.
More: US Open Reviewing All Options
Last week, the French Tennis Federation announced its unilateral decision to shift Roland Garros from its May slot in the schedule to September 20th—a week after the US Open ends.
In response to the coronavirus crists, the ATP and WTA extended suspension of play until June, wiping out the spring clay-court season.
Italian Tennis Federation President Angelo Binaghi said the plan is to reschedule Rome.
"We plan to reschedule the Internazionali d’Italia this year,” Binaghi told Sky Sports 24. "We would like to be one of the lead up events for the French Open.”
The US Open, which is schedule to conclude on September 13th, announced it is considering all scheduling options. That’s prompted some speculation the US Open could move to October.
While Rome has a long history as a red-clay court event, Binaghi said organizers are open to playing on any surface at any time this season.
" We would like to have it in Rome, but are willing to have it at any time, and on any surface,” Binaghi told Sky Sports 24.
Rafael Nadal and Karolina Pliskova are the reigning Rome champions.
Italy has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic with more than 6,000 deaths from COVID-19.
