1974 Italian Open (tennis)


The 1974 Italian Open was a combined men's and women's tennis tournament that was played by men on outdoor clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy. The men's tournament was part of the 1974 Commercial Union Assurance Grand Prix circuit while the women's tournament was part of the Women's International Grand Prix circuit. The tournament was held from 26 May through 3 June 1974. The singles titles were won by third-seeded Björn Borg and first-seeded Chris Evert.
World no. 2 Jimmy Connors and Evonne Goolagong were banned from playing in the 1974 Italian Open by Philippe Chatrier, president of the French Tennis Federation, because both had signed contracts to play in the World Team Tennis league in the United States. The initial rounds in the men's event were played as best-of-three-set matches while the semifinal and final were played as best-of-five-set. Second-seeded Jan Kodeš was disqualified during his second round match against Tonino Zugarelli when he pushed referee Brunetti during an argument over a disputed line call. Borg's semifinal match against Guillermo Vilas was stopped at 1–1 in the final set due to darkness and was finished the next day. Borg won and had to follow up by playing the final against titleholder Ilie Năstase only two hours later.

Finals

Men's singles

defeated Ilie Năstase 6–3, 6–4, 6–2
defeated Martina Navratilova 6–3, 6–3

Men's doubles

'/ Raúl Ramírez defeated Juan Gisbert / Ilie Năstase 6–3, 6–2, 6–3

Women's doubles

/ Olga Morozova defeated Helga Masthoff / Heide Orth w.o.