Rome’s Grand Ambition: Italian Open Sets Sights on Slam Status

Italy is taking a serious step to redefine the world of tennis, with the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation chief Angelo Binaghi openly stating his vision to promote the Italian Open to a Grand Slam level. That would make the Rome-hosted tournament the first new major in more than a hundred years, adding to the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open ranks.

Key Highlights
Historic Italian Tennis Success: Italy is riding a wave of tennis triumphs. Jannik Sinner is the current men’s world No. 1, Jasmine Paolini just became the first Italian woman in 40 years to win the Italian Open and is set to rise to No. 4 in the world, and the country recently swept both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles.

Grand Slam Aspirations: Binaghi contends the existing four-Slam model is a "100-year plus monopoly" and labels it "absolutely unfair and doesn't help tennis grow." He sees the Italian Open as a fifth Grand Slam, capitalizing on its existing fortnight schedule and record-breaking attendance.

Investments of Significance: Organizers made public a €60 million ($67 million) plan to install a retractable roof over Campo Centrale, the central stadium, by 2028. This will increase seating by 2,000 to a capacity of 12,500 and further update the venue.

Increased Facilities: The Foro Italico tournament site has increased from 12 to 20 hectares with additional courts and seating capacity for spectators. The Stadio dei Marmi features three courts, one of which is a new stadium that seats 3,000.

Strategic Steps: Binaghi has also shown interest in buying the Madrid Open's licence-potentially closing out a competitor and solidifying Rome's position. Italy is also home to the ATP Finals in Turin until 2030 and will host the Davis Cup Final 8 over the next three years.

Mixed Reactions: Some players, like Alexander Zverev, support the proposal but others, including Ons Jabeur, feel that enhancing existing Grand Slams should be the focus. The Grand Slam board has not yet reacted to the proposal.

Italy's campaign marks a new era of ambition and investment in tennis, defying tradition and looking to make Rome a world capital of tennis.

Source: The Daily Pioneer