The Rome Masters kicks into gear Monday with a loaded schedule featuring Italian favorite Fognini Fognini colliding with Kei Nishikori.

Also on the men’s side, new home hope Jannik Sinner opens play against tough Frenchman Ugo Humbert, Lorenzo Musetti meets Miami champion Hubert Hurkacz and Dan Evans faces Taylor Fritz.

“Here in Rome is, you know, especially for Italian player, it’s like a home tournament, you know. At the end of the day people know you a little bit better,” Sinner said.

“It’s good to be back. For me, it’s one of the most beautiful tournaments that we are going to play on each year. You know, it’s nice to be here. I like the conditions. I have to say Rome is a little bit after in the beginning of the clay season, so everybody gets a little bit used to the conditions. So, you know, as I said it’s nice to be here and obviously trying to make the tournament in the best possible way.”

Aslan Karatsev, Cristian Garin, Karen Khachanov, Alex De Minaur and Marin Cilic are also on court.

Earlier today as the men’s draw got underway, Reilly Opelka ousted Richard Gasquet, Felix Auger-Aliassime beat the dangerous Filip Krajinovic in three and Pablo Carreno Busta and David Goffin were winners.

On the first day of the main draw women’s events, Petra Kvitova begins against Magda Linette, Maria Sakkari meets Polona Hercog and it’s a big day for American interests with Coco Gauff, Shelby Rogers, Amanda Anisimova and Alison Riske all in action.

Gauff will taken on Yulia Putintseva while Riske will meet French Open champion Iga Swiatek.