ROME — The world of men’s tennis is currently witnessing the phenomenal rise of Jannik Sinner, while Italy proudly celebrated victories in both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team championships last year.
Jasmine Paolini made history as the first Italian player to clinch the Italian Open title in four decades, propelling herself into the upper echelon of women’s tennis as she eyes a jump to No. 4 in the rankings.
Alongside emerging talents like Lorenzo Musetti, Federico Cinà, and Tyra Caterina Grant, Italy is poised to be a formidable force in tennis for years to come.
However, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation’s president, Angelo Binaghi, has even loftier ambitions.
Binaghi envisions elevating the Italian Open to the status of a fifth Grand Slam tournament, challenging the long-standing order of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open — a move that could reshape tennis history.
“In what other industry does a monopoly persist for over a century?” Binaghi remarked on Sunday, the grand finale of the Italian Open. “Why are there always just four and the same four? It’s simply unjust and hampers the growth of tennis.”
The Italian Open stands as a Masters Series event, just a notch below the Grand Slams. However, with its two-week format similar to the majors, bolstered by the successes of Sinner, Paolini, and numerous other Italian players, the tournament is thriving.
Italy has played host to the ATP Finals in Turin since 2021 and recently secured its contract through 2030 for this prestigious year-end event featuring the top eight male players. Additionally, the Davis Cup Final 8 is set to launch a three-year stint in Italy starting this November in Bologna.
“We are now the reigning champions, both on the court and in terms of organization,” Binaghi stated proudly.
Earlier this year, Binaghi expressed interest in acquiring the license for the Madrid Open, which takes place just before Rome in the tennis calendar. The proposal suggests that excluding Madrid and amplifying the stature of Rome could lay the foundation for a fifth Slam.
“We must remain vigilant on the global stage and seize opportunities from every tournament, from smaller ATP 250 events to the most significant ones,” he emphasized.
Tournaments in locations like Indian Wells, California, and Miami have also been floated as potential candidates for joining the Grand Slam ranks.
“I’d love that,” remarked Alexander Zverev, a two-time champion in Rome, when asked about the prospect earlier this year. “Is it feasible to establish one? Absolutely. But will it be recognized as a Grand Slam by everyone — the media, players? That’s uncertain.”
Former Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Ons Jabeur added, “We should focus on enhancing our existing structures rather than adding a fifth Grand Slam. There’s much more we can achieve with the current four to benefit players, media, and the entire tennis ecosystem.”
Requests for comment sent to the Grand Slam board, which represents the four main tournaments, have yet to receive a response.
After several delays, organizers have finally announced plans to install a retractable roof over the Italian Open’s main court, Campo Centrale.
With an investment of 60 million euros ($67 million), the new roof is expected to be completed in time for the 2028 tournament, accompanied by 2,000 additional seats, raising the total capacity to 12,500.
This year’s tournament grounds at Foro Italico have expanded from 12 to 20 hectares (approximately 30 to 50 acres), along with the addition of a new statue-lined competition arena.
The Stadio dei Marmi now features three courts: a 3,000-seat arena plus two smaller courts, each accommodating 800 spectators.
This 3,000-seat arena has become the tournament’s third-largest show court following Campo Centrale and the Grand Stand Arena, with the Pietrangeli court, adorned with a collection of statues, now ranking fourth.
