Rome Tennis Open May 2011

maria sharapova, top ranked russian who also models

one of the great mussolini era statues

perfect size small court to see very well, soccer stadium in background . not too many tennis stadiums are surrounded by these great 1930's era sport statues and umbrella pines

another fascist era statue

marion bartoli, best woman's player in france

mardy fish, one of the U.S top players

campo centrale, the main tennis stadium in background. This guy is ready to play, racket in right hand, ball in left

weather was stunning

the skier

lest we forget who constructed the "foro Italico"  sports area. Couldn't get it all in but the obelisk reads "Mussolini Dux"

pleasant walk crossing the Tiber to get from tram to stadium

Had a great birthday doing one of the things I love to do - watching tennis, in this case for 7 hours. The Foro Italico sports area in Rome is a wonderful space. It houses great swimming pools, the enormous soccer stadium, two tennis stadiums and for the tournament another 7 outdoor courts. The area has wonderful fascist era statues and mosaics. It is one of my very favorite areas to tour around in. We had a picture perfect day to view the tennis, sun, not hot and cool in the shade. loved it.  Since this was really day one of the tournament the big guns (nadal, federer,djokovic) hadn't arrived yet. Hope to see them later in the week.