Federico Brignone, an Italian alpine skier, enjoys the thrill of Internazionali d’Italia in Rome.

Federica Brignone (often misspelled “Federico” in casual references) is one of Italy’s most celebrated alpine skiers, having claimed the overall FIS Alpine Ski World Cup title in the 2022–2023 season. In May 2025, while still on crutches from a recent knee and leg injury, she traded her skis for clay courts, attending the Internazionali BNL d’Italia—Rome’s prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event. Her presence at the Foro Italico not only underscored the cross-pollination of elite sports in Italy, but also highlighted the magnetic allure of Rome’s premier tennis tournament.

A Storied Tournament in the Eternal City

The Internazionali BNL d’Italia, commonly known as the Italian Open, dates back to 1930 and has long been a touchstone of clay-court excellence. Held annually at the Foro Italico sports complex, the event sits just below the four Grand Slams in stature, classified as an ATP Masters 1000 on the men’s side and a WTA 1000 on the women’s side. In 2025, the tournament ran from May 6 to May 18, showcasing both established legends and rising stars on its storied courts .

Rome’s clay is legendary for its slow pace and high bounce, demanding tactical patience and physical endurance. The tournament’s iconic setting—ancient Roman statues, Mediterranean pines, and the nearby Stadio Olimpico—creates an atmosphere unlike any other on tour. In 2025, the Italian Open unveiled a newly renovated triple-stadium complex, including the SuperTennis Arena with a 3,000-seat capacity, amplifying the spectacle and hinting at ambitions to become tennis’s “fifth Grand Slam” .

Brignone’s Road to the Foro Italico

Federica Brignone’s decision to attend the Italian Open came in the wake of a season marked by triumph and trial. After capturing her second consecutive overall World Cup crystal globe in 2023, Brignone suffered a severe knee and leg injury that sidelined her from competition. Yet, the Aosta Valley native insisted on making the pilgrimage to Rome, arriving on crutches and determined to support her compatriots and soak in the tournament’s electric ambiance .

Her attendance was more than a celebrity sighting; it represented a statement of resilience. Brignone, known for her analytical approach on the slopes—studying course maps and snow conditions—applied similar curiosity to the tennis courts. She observed practice sessions, analyzed players’ footwork on clay, and even exchanged insights with coaches, drawing parallels between line choices in slalom and shot selection in tennis.

A Memorable Encounter with Jannik Sinner

The highlight of Brignone’s Rome experience was her encounter with Jannik Sinner, Italy’s world No. 1 and fellow young superstar. On May 11, 2025, prior to one of Sinner’s training sessions, the two met near the “training wall” courts. Despite her injury, Brignone approached him with enthusiasm. “I’m a huge Sinner fan. He’s an inspiration to me,” she remarked, praising his mental fortitude amid a recent suspension that had tested his resilience .

Sinner, in turn, inquired about her rehabilitation progress, and Brignone expressed admiration for his ability to thrive under pressure. Reflecting on their brief chat, she said, “He asked me how my rehab was going and wished me all the best. I told him I was sure he’d show his coolness and solidity right away” .

A Tempting Cross–Sport Invitation

The exchange culminated in Brignone extending an invitation that captured headlines: “Since I was facing a former skier, I invited him. When I’m healthy again, he’s very welcome to spend a day skiing with me in my home country. That would be a great honor for me” . Sinner, who honed his own skiing skills as a youth—winning the “Mickey Mouse” Under-14 championship—has often spoken of his love for carving turns, making Brignone’s offer particularly fitting .

This playful yet sincere gesture underscored a deeper kinship: both athletes navigate the rarefied pressure of being Italian icons in individual sports, carrying national hopes on their shoulders. Their mutual respect highlights the way Italy’s sporting culture embraces excellence across disciplines.

The Unique Atmosphere of the Foro Italico

Brignone’s impressions went beyond individual interactions. She praised the Foro Italico’s ambiance: the scent of Mediterranean pines, the terracotta hues of the stadium walls, and the distant echoes of cheering crowds that reverberate off marble statues. “It feels like stepping into living history,” she observed, noting how the ancient ruins and modern amenities blend seamlessly.

She also marveled at the enthusiastic Italian fans—“They cheer as passionately here as they do in ski villages”, she quipped—adding that the Italian Open’s Sunday finals have the energy of a small carnival, complete with street-food vendors selling gelato and espresso near the gates.

The Broader Significance for Italian Sport

Federica Brignone’s presence at the Italian Open was more than a personal excursion; it symbolized Italy’s renaissance across winter and summer individual sports. In the months leading up to the tournament, Italy’s national teams had clinched several titles—from Sinner’s return to form to the national basketball squad’s surprising run in EuroBasket qualifiers. Brignone’s attendance connected these threads, illustrating how elite athletes support and inspire each other regardless of their arena.

Moreover, her visit highlighted the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation’s broader vision. With investments totaling £436 million to vie for a spot as tennis’s fifth Grand Slam, Rome’s tournament is positioning itself for even greater international prominence. Brignone, as a high-profile Italian athlete, lent visibility to these ambitions, reinforcing the notion that the Italian Open is not just a tennis event, but a cultural spectacle .

Looking Ahead: A Season of Cross–Disciplinary Inspiration

As Brignone continues her rehabilitation, her memories of Rome will likely serve as motivation. The determination she saw in the tennis players—gritty baseline rallies, strategic slide on clay, unwavering focus under pressure—parallels the tenacity required in alpine skiing. She plans to return to competition in the 2025–2026 World Cup season, drawing on the mental lessons of patience and adaptability that clay-court tennis demands.

In turn, the Italian Open benefited from her attendance. Media coverage emphasized the tournament’s magnetic appeal across sports, while fans were treated to the novelty of seeing a skiing superstar courtside. Organizers noted a spike in social media engagement when Brignone’s invitation to Sinner trended, illustrating the power of cross–sport narratives to captivate audiences.

Conclusion

Federica Brignone’s enjoyment of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome exemplifies the unifying power of sport. Whether carving through gates at Alta Badia or racing down the baseline at the Foro Italico, elite athletes share a pursuit of excellence, resilience in the face of adversity, and a deep connection with passionate fans. Brignone’s Roman sojourn—marked by gratitude, camaraderie with fellow champions, and cultural immersion—reminds us that the spirit of competition transcends disciplines, weaving a rich tapestry that celebrates human potential in all its forms.