Italian Open £436M bid to become “fifth Grand Slam”
Ambitious proposal aims to expand Rome’s premier tennis event, but proximity to French Open presents challenges.
In a bold move to elevate the Italian Open’s status, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP) has submitted a £436 million bid to acquire the calendar slot currently held by the Madrid Open. This acquisition would allow the Rome-based tournament to expand into a two-week event, aligning it with the four existing Grand Slam tournaments. The FITP’s vision includes significant infrastructure enhancements, such as the construction of a new ‘SuperTennis Arena’ in Rome.
However, this ambitious proposal faces notable challenges, primarily due to the Italian Open’s proximity to the French Open. Both tournaments are held on clay courts, and their closeness on the calendar could lead to scheduling conflicts and player fatigue, potentially impacting participation and viewership. The feasibility of adding a fifth Grand Slam is further complicated by traditionalists within the tennis community who may resist altering the established Grand Slam structure.
Despite these hurdles, Italian tennis has experienced a resurgence, highlighted by Jannik Sinner reaching the world No.1 ranking and the country’s victories in both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup in 2024. This renewed enthusiasm for tennis in Italy underpins the FITP’s determination to enhance the Italian Open’s stature on the international stage.
The outcome of the FITP’s bid remains uncertain, as it requires approval from various stakeholders, including international tennis governing bodies and existing tournament organizers. If successful, the transformation of the Italian Open could reshape the professional tennis landscape, offering players and fans an additional slam event each year.
Inside the Baseline…
Chasing the status of a “fifth Grand Slam” is an ambitious move, but prestige isn’t just about money. It’s about history, atmosphere, and the moments that define a tournament. Expanding the Italian Open makes sense on paper, but cramming another two-week event into an already packed clay-court season risks overloading players and diluting what makes each major unique. Growth should elevate the sport, not just stretch the calendar.
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