What’s the Italian Open Schedule of Play for May 15?

The penultimate stage of the 2026 Italian Open has arrived, and the stakes could not be higher as the Foro Italico hosts the Men’s Singles Semifinals on Friday, May 15. Today, the “gladiators of the clay” will battle for a coveted spot in Sunday’s championship match. With a mix of Grand Slam champions and local heroes remaining in the draw, the atmosphere in Rome is set to reach a fever pitch.

The Final Four: Sinner vs. Medvedev Headlines a Historic Friday

Campo Centrale will be the focal point of the tennis world as the top seeds look to secure their place in history. The evening session features a blockbuster rematch of some of the sport’s greatest recent finals: World No. 1 and local icon Jannik Sinner takes on the 2023 champion Daniil Medvedev (7). Sinner has carried the weight of Italian expectations throughout the fortnight, while Medvedev has proven once again that his unique game is a force to be reckoned with on the Roman clay.

Earlier in the day, the afternoon session kicks off with a fascinating battle of styles and grit. Casper Ruud (23), a perennial clay-court specialist, faces the tournament’s breakout Italian star, Luciano Darderi (18). Darderi’s run to the semifinals has captivated the home crowd, but he will need to find a way through the relentless consistency and heavy topspin of the Norwegian to reach his first Masters 1000 final.

Elite Doubles: Semifinal Saturday in Sight

The doubles competition also enters its critical phase today. On Campo Centrale, the women’s draw features a high-stakes clash between the seventh-seeded pair of Bucsa/Melichar-Martinez and the second seeds Siniakova/Townsend. Meanwhile, the SuperTennis Arena will host a titanic men’s doubles semifinal featuring the top seeds Heliovaara/Patten against the Italian favorites Bolelli/Vavassori (7).

Technical Insight: The Semifinal “Grind”

By the time the semifinals arrive, the physical conditioning of the players becomes the primary storyline. After nearly two weeks of sliding, grinding, and explosive movement on the red dirt, the surface at Campo Centrale is at its most “compacted”. This often leads to longer rallies as the ball speed remains consistent, but the players’ ability to recover between points is tested to the limit.

For a player like Casper Ruud, the afternoon heat is an ally, as it allows his kick-serve to jump even higher out of the strike zone. However, the night session for Sinner and Medvedev will introduce cooler, more humid air, which “slows” the ball down. In these conditions, Medvedev’s ability to defend from deep in the court becomes even more effective, while Sinner will look to use his superior ball-striking to hit through the heavier conditions.

Official Order of Play – Friday, May 15, 2026

The following tables outline the official schedule for the semifinals, including time conversions for fans in the United States.

Campo Centrale

SuperTennis Arena