Italy’s growing influence in global tennis is entering a new phase, one that could significantly reshape the women’s game alongside the men’s calendar. In a move that signals long-term ambition, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation has secured the rights to an ATP 250 tournament currently held in Brussels, with plans to relocate it to Italy and transform it into a grass-court event from 2028. While the announcement focuses on the ATP Tour, its ripple effects are expected to strengthen opportunities and visibility for women’s tennis as well.
Scheduled to take place in June, just weeks before the Wimbledon Championships, the new event will serve as a key preparation tournament on grass, a surface that remains limited in the tennis calendar, particularly for women. The decision reflects a broader strategic push by Italy to expand its presence across all tiers of the sport, from elite competitions to developmental pathways.
Federation president Angelo Binaghi hinted that the tournament could be staged in northern Italy, with innovative venue options under consideration, including the iconic San Siro Stadium. The idea of converting a football stadium into a tennis arena mirrors recent global trends and could provide a unique spectacle, potentially attracting new audiences to the sport, including a younger, more diverse fan base that has increasingly embraced women’s tennis.
While the newly acquired event is part of the men’s circuit, its timing and infrastructure investments are likely to benefit the women’s game in parallel. Italy has already demonstrated a commitment to women’s tennis through initiatives such as the grass-court WTA event in Gaiba, which ran from 2022 to 2024. That tournament offered valuable match practice on grass for players preparing for Wimbledon, an opportunity that remains relatively scarce compared to hard and clay surfaces.
The expansion of grass-court facilities and scheduling in Italy could pave the way for future women’s tournaments or mixed events, further integrating the women’s calendar with key moments in the global tennis season. As the sport continues to push for parity in visibility and prize money, such infrastructural growth plays a crucial role.
Italy’s tennis boom is not limited to event hosting. On the court, the country is experiencing a golden era, driven by a new generation of players. While Jannik Sinner headlines the men’s circuit, the women’s side has seen equally inspiring performances. Jasmine Paolini, for instance, captured national attention with her title-winning run in Rome, where she claimed both singles and doubles honors alongside Sara Errani. Their success reflects the depth and resilience of Italian women’s tennis, which continues to grow in stature.
Italy’s hosting portfolio further underlines its commitment to the sport. The ATP Finals, held in Turin through 2030, and the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna have already positioned the country as a central hub in the tennis world. Meanwhile, the Italian Open in Rome remains one of the most prestigious events outside the Grand Slams, attracting top talent from both the ATP and WTA Tours.
Looking ahead, infrastructure upgrades are also in motion. Plans to install a retractable roof at the main stadium in Rome, Foro Italico, by 2028 will enhance playing conditions and spectator experience. Increased seating capacity and multi-sport adaptability further signal Italy’s long-term vision of hosting world-class events. Perhaps the most ambitious idea floated by Binaghi is the elevation of the Italian Open to Grand Slam status, a proposal that would challenge the traditional structure of tennis’ four major tournaments. While such a move remains speculative, it underscores Italy’s desire to not only participate in the global tennis ecosystem but to actively shape its future.
For women’s tennis, these developments represent more than just logistical changes. They signal a shift toward greater inclusivity, opportunity, and investment. As Italy continues to expand its footprint in the sport, the hope is that the women’s game will grow alongside it, benefiting from better scheduling, improved facilities, and increased global attention.
In the evolving landscape of tennis, Italy is not just hosting events, it is building a platform. And for women in the sport, that platform could prove transformative in the years to come.
