Italy to Host New Grass Court Tennis Tournament as Wimbledon Preparation
The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation has secured the rights to an ATP 250-level tournament, scheduled to debut in June 2028. This event will serve as a key warm-up for players ahead of Wimbledon, offering an additional option on the grass court calendar.
Potential Venue at Iconic San Siro Stadium
Federation president Angelo Binaghi revealed that the legendary San Siro stadium in Milan is being considered as a possible host venue. This would mirror initiatives like Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium, which hosts practice courts for the Madrid Masters 1000 event. "For once, we wouldn't be the first to do it," Binaghi noted, highlighting the innovative approach.
However, logistical challenges exist, as the San Siro is slated for demolition and redevelopment, with works due to begin at the end of the current football season. Both AC Milan and Inter Milan purchased the stadium and surrounding land for £170 million in October last year, with a new 71,000-seat stadium targeted for completion by 2030.
Tournament Details and Strategic Timing
The federation purchased the tournament rights from Brussels, where it is currently held in October. Binaghi stated that the event will likely be held in northern Italy for climate reasons, though the exact location is yet to be finalized. This move adds to Italy's growing portfolio of top tennis events, driven by increased popularity and the rise of star player Jannik Sinner.
The tournament will join other grass court events like Queen's and Halle (ATP 500), as well as Stuttgart, s-Hertogenbosch, Mallorca, and Eastbourne (ATP 250), in the lead-up to Wimbledon. Italy already hosts significant events such as the ATP Finals in Turin until 2030, the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna through next year, and the Rome Masters on clay in May.
This development underscores Italy's expanding influence in global tennis, blending tradition with modern sporting infrastructure to enhance player preparation and fan engagement.
