Italian Open 2026: Thursday, May 14 Order of Play | Semifinals

The stakes reach a boiling point at the Foro Italico as the 2026 Italian Open moves into the Men’s Quarterfinals and the high-stakes Women’s Semifinals on Thursday, May 14. With the championship trophies now in sight, the pressure on the world’s elite players has never been higher as they battle for a spot in the final rounds of this prestigious clay-court event.

Championship Sunday in Sight: Sinner and Gauff Headline Centrale

Campo Centrale serves as the primary stage for a day of blockbuster matchups. The afternoon session opens with a heavyweight clash between World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and the powerful Andrey Rublev (12). Sinner, buoyed by the passionate Roman crowd, will need to navigate Rublev’s devastating forehand to secure his place in the final four.

The focus then shifts to the first of the Women’s Semifinals as Sorana Cirstea (26) takes on the third-seeded Coco Gauff. Gauff’s world-class movement and defensive skills will be put to the test against Cirstea’s aggressive baseline play.

The night session features defending champion Daniil Medvedev (7) taking on the tournament’s “Cinderella story,” lucky loser Martin Landaluce, followed by a clash of titans between Iga Swiatek (4) and Elina Svitolina (7) to decide the second women’s finalist.

Elite Doubles Action at SuperTennis Arena

While the singles drama unfolds on the main stage, the SuperTennis Arena hosts a masterclass in doubles. The schedule features some of the world’s highest-ranked pairs, including a significant clash between Perez/Schuurs (8) and the second-seeded team of Siniakova/Townsend. Additionally, the top-tier men’s duo of Granollers/Zeballos (2) will look to continue their dominant run.

Technical Insight: The Semi-Final Surface

By the second Thursday of the tournament, the red clay at the Foro Italico has undergone significant wear. The “sliding zones” behind the baselines have been thoroughly churned, and the surface often becomes slightly drier and faster under the afternoon sun.

For a player like Iga Swiatek, these conditions allow her high-topspin forehand to “explode” off the court, making it difficult for opponents to time their returns. For the men, such as Sinner and Rublev, the firmer surface rewards those who can step inside the court and dictate play with their first serve. However, the night session matches will see the return of moisture, making the court play “heavier” and rewarding the incredible fitness of players like Svitolina.

Official Order of Play – Thursday, May 14, 2026

The following tables provide the confirmed schedule and time conversions for fans following the action from the United States.

Campo Centrale

SuperTennis Arena

Outer Court Highlights