The four Grand Slams have been set in stone since the introduction of the Australian Open in 1905.
The four biggest tournaments on the tennis calendar are the tentpole events for both players and fans throughout the year.
While other tournaments, such as the ATP Finals, have been considered a ‘fifth Grand Slam’, none of the tournaments truly hold a candle to the four majors.
Italian tennis president Angelo Binaghi has suggested an idea for a fifth Grand Slam, including where it should be hosted.
Angelo Binaghi wants an Italian Grand Slam in Rome
Binaghi spoke to Italian outlet Corriere about the state of Italian tennis, after their Davis Cup win and Jannik Sinner’s dominance.
The Italian Tennis President announced his plans for a brand-new Grand Slam to be hosted in the Italian capital of Rome.
“A Grand Slam in Italy will be possible when the government invests in tennis’s potential. Economy Minister Giorgetti told me that at global financial meetings, before even greeting him, they congratulate him on Sinner and tennis.”
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Binaghi believes the new Grand Slam could be possible if the Italian authorities fight for it in a similar way to other huge sporting events.
“If, in addition to spending five billion on the Olympics, a huge and wonderful event that lasts only a few weeks, we tried to spend a tenth of that on something that would generate wealth for the next 100 years, then we could also bring a Grand Slam to Italy.
“Just look at the economic impact of the International Tennis Championships on the region: last year it was €895 million, this year it should reach €1 billion.
“The ratio between a Masters 1000 and a Grand Slam is one to four: we’re talking about a potential economic impact of around €4 billion, with additional tax revenues of around €600 million. The Internationals currently generate €148 million, without public funding.”
Another country could be more likely for a Grand Slam
The idea of a fifth Grand Slam has been touted before, but many pundits expect another major to hit the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has been targeting tennis in a similar way it has aimed to bring boxing, wrestling, and snooker to the country.
The Six Kings Slam was the country’s first foray into tennis, which offered the six best players a chance to win $6 million.
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Sinner has won the last two events and he responded when asked if a Grand Slam could come to Saudi Arabia.
“I don’t know. I don’t know how big it can be, although it’s already made history for other reasons,” he said after defeating Alcaraz in the final.
“For myself, I’m looking forward to coming back because it’s great to be here, playing in different circumstances with different people.
“I think this country is going to be very important for us in the future, that’s for sure. It’s essential to make tennis as big a sport as possible, and for that we need teamwork, behind the scenes.”
Saudi Arabia has also hosted the NextGen Finals and the WTA Finals in recent years.
