Rome Tennis Open May 2013

the great roger federer

 Federer practicing

Federer

relaxing after practice

always gracious about signing  autographs

new area this year with the restaurant "Set" using existing buildings from the fascist era

Inside of "Set" in the old mussolini era fencing area

beautifully designed with wonderful light coming in through many long rectangular windows

fun cardboard cut outs were all around, newly done

aperitivo at Set

good shoes to wear to a tennis match! Only in Italy, really.

Obviously the Italian "hostesses" have black high heels as part of their uniform and are working hard

the grounds of the foro Italico, what used to be called the Foro Mussolini

View toward the center court arena (in distance)

Samantha Stosur, Australian

mosaic from time of Mussolini's foro 

mosaic and pool (decorative)

Fascist era building which was the fencing practice area, then in the 70's and 80's  the trials of the Red Brigades took place here. Basement was a prison at the time. THis year they are using the same for the wonderful restaurant "Set", run by the team of Settembrini which happens to be one of our favorites.

fascist era statues

smaller stadium

Had the fun opportunity to see Rafael Nadal practicing

Nadal and his coach, Uncle Tony

Rafa and Tony

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 Grigor Dimitrov, Maria Sharapova's boyfriend

outdoor pool located in the same area as the tennis

the grounds were lovely, filled with roses

main stadium called the campo centrale

an athelite goes to war

the old main stadium, now called the pietroangeli stadium, where matches also take place