Josemaria/Sanchez on Top and Plenty of Italy: The Women's Draw

The narrow defeat in last year's final didn't stop Paula Josemaria and Ari Sanchez from dominating the 2023 season. However, with the BNL Italy Major in Rome, the world's No. 1 pair has unfinished business. They will attempt to settle it this year, entering the tournament as favorites and starting from the second round, like all 16 seeded pairs. Their opponents on Wednesday will be either Saiz/Lobo or Schuck/Pujals. In the top half of the draw, along with them, is Delfi Brea but not her usual partner Bea Gonzalez, who is out due to injury. For the occasion, the Argentine is playing with 18-year-old Spaniard Alba Gallardo.

In the bottom half of the draw, the No. 2 pair Triay/Fernandez, fresh off their first title together won in Chile, and the No. 3 seeds Ortega/Virseda, with the latter attempting to defend her 2023 title won at the Foro Italico with Triay. Also in the bottom half is Italy's No. 1 Carolina Orsi, who finally reunites with her partner Carolina Navarro, out for weeks due to injury. After a bye in the first round, the No. 14 pair will face an Italian opponent: either Lorena Vano and her partner Alicia Blanco or Giorgia Marchetti and the Frenchwoman Lea Godallier, emerging from their first-round duel.

There is a strong Italian presence in the bottom half: Chiara Pappacena, who was present at the draw and will face Piltcher/Castillon alongside Spanish partner Xenia Clasca (No. 6 seeds Riera/Araujo await the winners); and two Italian pairs who received a wildcard. Both will face Spanish opponents: Montesi/Tommasi against Barrera/Caparros, and Parmigiani/Zanchetta against Canellas/Navarro. Completing the list of eleven Italians in the main draw are the duo Stellato/Sussarello and Carlotta Casali, who is competing with Spanish partner Arantxa Soriano. They will face each other in the first round.