As Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner collide, suddenly the summer is shining with promise

In Rome’s ancient amphitheatre, almost 2,000 years old, dusty, armoured gladiators fought for the public’s entertainment. Almost a century ago, another dirt-filled arena was built in that city, where warriors in shorts tussled before animated crowds.

Both sites involved combat under strict rules but with a difference. In the first, lives were lost; in the second, only reputations. The Colosseum was a dangerous place, but the Foro Italico, site of tennis’ Italian Open, is no Sunday picnic.