Italian tennis is experiencing a golden age, marked by exceptional success at both the men's and women's levels. From players reaching the top of the world rankings to hosting increasingly prestigious tournaments in Italy, the country is establishing itself as an emerging power in the sport. In recent years, Italy has witnessed an explosion of talent. Notable players include Matteo Berrettini, who was a finalist at Wimbledon in 2021, and Jannik Sinner, the current Number 1 and who is gaining recognition as one of the most complete players of his generation. Alongside them are Lorenzo Musetti, known for his elegant and creative playing style, and Fabio Fognini, whose charisma and victory at the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters 1000 have inspired a new generation of tennis players. Furthermore, the women's sector of Italian tennis has also enjoyed moments of glory, despite the retirement of outstanding players like Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone—who have left an indelible mark on the sport—new talents such as Jasmine Paolini are emerging, bringing Italy back into the international spotlight. In addition to individual successes, Italy has distinguished itself by hosting prestigious tournaments, further solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in tennis.
Italy has made significant strides in tennis, particularly with events such as the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, held on the red clay courts of the Foro Italico in Rome. This tournament has become one of the most popular on the ATP and WTA circuits. The recent assignment of the ATP Finals to Turin further highlights Italy's growing importance in tennis. This prestigious event, which features the year's top eight players, has contributed to a surge in tennis popularity in the country. Factors such as the pandemic and improved broadcasting have also fuelled this enthusiasm. Currently, tennis ranks second among fans, with 39% expressing their interest, closely followed by Formula 1, which boasts 38% as they eagerly anticipate Ferrari's return to success.
This surge in popularity has prompted broadcasters to balance airing live football matches with ATP tournaments. Italy boasts nine male players in the ATP Top 100 and recently won the Davis Cup for the second year in a row, while the women’s team claimed the Billie Jean King Cup. The percentage of Italians following tennis has risen to 39%, nearly doubling since 2016, and children’s tennis club enrolments increased by 30% in 2024 alone. Club-registered tennis players have grown from 129,000 in 2001 to over one million. Experts attribute this success to adapting training for players to excel on synthetic hard courts and the increase in lower-level tournaments across Italy, which provides young players with more competitive opportunities.
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