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Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Can the Italian Open really become the fifth Grand Slam in tennis?
Wimbledon, French Open, US Open and Australian Open are the most prestigious events on the annual tennis calendar, bestowed with the moniker of 'Grand Slam', a term that has been in use for almost a century. The Italian Tennis Federation has now challenged this 'monopoly' by demanding that its own national championship be considered the 'Fifth Grand Slam'. 'In what other part of society is there a monopoly that lasts for more than 100 years?' Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president Angelo Binaghi said on Sunday, the final day of this year's Italian Open. 'Why are there always four and always the same four?… It's absolutely unfair and doesn't help tennis grow.' History of Grand Slams It is believed that the Grand Slam tournaments in their present form trace back to individual tennis events and leagues formed in the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, Europe and Australia. In Europe, the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF) was formed with the goal of creating international rules and tournaments. It started three major international tournaments — World Grass Court Championships, World Hard Court Championships (played on clay), and World Covered Court Championships (played on an indoor wood surface). Davis Cup, the international men's team tennis championship, was dominated by the four countries – Britain, France, Australia and the United States – for most of its history. In fact, it was not until 1974 that a fifth country won the crown (South Africa, after India refused to play the final as a protest against Apartheid). As these four countries were traditionally the strongest in the sport of tennis, their national championships were designated 'Grand Slam' tournaments. A player who wins all four in a calendar year is said to have achieved the Grand Slam, a term coined by some journalists covering the sport in the early 20th century. In 1923, all four were designated as 'official championships.' By the 1930s, they were well defined as the most prestigious tournaments in the sport. Note that the term 'Grand Slam' in a similar context was first used to describe Bobby Jone's achievement of winning all four Majors —- the four most prestigious golfing tournaments — in 1930. The term has even older origins in the card game of contact bridge. Italy's argument Binaghi may be of the view that Grand Slam status should reflect the current state of the game, meaning countries dominant at present should be rewarded. Italian Jannik Sinner is the Number 1 men's player in the world, and his compatriot Jasmine Paolini just won the Italian Open women's singles title. Paolini has been consistent of late in Grand Slam tournaments, and is currently ranked fourth in the world. Moreover, Italy are the holders of the Davis Cup as well as its women's equivalent, Billie Jean King Cup. The country has strength in depth with players such as Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berretini, Federico Cina and Tyra Caterina Grant. There are as many as seven Italians inside the top 50 of the ATP singles rankings. Sinner has won three of the last five Grand Slam tournaments, and last year's ATP Tour Finals. In contrast, the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title was Andy Roddick in 2003. The last Brit to do so was Andy Murray in 2016. The last Frenchman to win a Grand Slam was Yannick Noah in 1983. And the last Australian man to win a Grand Slam was Lleyton Hewitt in 2002. While women from these countries have won Grand Slam titles more recently, apart from the dominant Serena Williams of the US, these have not been particularly frequent occurrences. Italy has also shown its heft on the organisational side. The country hosts one of nine Masters 1000 events, one rung below the Grand Slams. Renovations have been done at the venue, Foro Italico, and more are in the pipeline. Starting in 2021, Italy has also been staging the World Tour Finals, with its contract extended till 2030. The Davis Cup Final 8 will also be held in Italy for a three-year period starting this November. Earlier this year, Binaghi expressed interest in acquiring the licence for the Madrid Open, the Masters 1000 event which immediately precedes Rome in the tennis calendar, and is one of the main lead-up tournaments for the French Open. Removing the Spanish capital from the schedule could make Rome an even bigger stop. The 436 million pound proposal, needed to buy off the Madrid tournament rights, requires the approval of various stakeholders, such as the international tennis governing bodies and various tournament organisers. The Grand Slam tournaments are overseen by the International Tennis Federation, rather than the men's and women's professional tours. The Grand Slam Board represents the Big Four tournaments. But an uphill task The burden of tradition is very heavy in a generally traditional sport like tennis. In recent times, countries like Spain and Serbia have enjoyed considerable success over a period of time — both on the men's and women's sides — but there was never a genuine demand to elevate their national championships to Grand Slam status. China too has put a lot of money into organizing big-ticket tennis events, but they also can't aspire to be at par with the Big Four. Indian Wells and Miami are huge and prestigious events, and the former is often unofficially called the 'Fifth Slam', but nobody seriously considers it so. The Italian Open's proximity to Roland Garros and the fact that both tournaments are played on clay could also work against the bid, at a time when scheduling issues and player fatigue and injuries are significant concerns. Having too much of a good thing could be detrimental to the popularity of the sport. Above all, traditionalists are not likely to see it as a positive development, not to mention the rewriting of record books and Grand Slam records it may prompt.
The Mainichi
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Italian Open organizers want to make the tournament a 5th Grand Slam
ROME (AP) -- Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is dominating men's tennis and Italy swept both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles last year. Jasmine Paolini just became the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years and is about to move up to No. 4 in the women's rankings. Players like Lorenzo Musetti, Federico Cina and Tyra Caterina Grant provide the potential for Italy to dominate tennis for years to come. Still, Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president Angelo Binaghi wants more. Much more. Binaghi has the grandiose aim to make the Italian Open a fifth Grand Slam tournament alongside the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open -- upending a century of tennis history. "In what other part of society is there a monopoly that lasts for more than 100 years?" Binaghi said Sunday, the final day of the Italian Open. "Why are there always four and always the same four? It's absolutely unfair and doesn't help tennis grow." The Italian Open is a Masters Series event that is one rung below the Slams in the hierarchy of tennis tournaments. But the event at the Foro Italico now runs for two weeks like the majors and is booming thanks to the successes of Sinner, Paolini and many other Italian players. Italy has also hosted the ATP Finals in Turin since 2021 and recently extended its hosting contract for the year-ending tournament featuring the top eight men's players through 2030. Also, the Davis Cup Final 8 will begin a three-year run in Italy this November, starting in Bologna. "We're now the world champion both on the court and at the organizational level," Binaghi said. Earlier this year, Binaghi expressed interest in acquiring the license for the Madrid Open, which immediately precedes Rome in the tennis calendar. The idea was that eliminating Madrid and making Rome bigger could constitute a fifth Slam. "We need to be attentive on the international market and try to take advantage of every opportunity that arises, from the smallest ATP 250 all the way up to the biggest tournaments," Binaghi said. Tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami have also been mentioned as possible fifth Slams. "I mean, it would be great for me, because I'm trying to win one," said Alexander Zverev, a two-time Rome champion, when asked about the possibility earlier this year. "Is it possible to make one? Yeah, for sure. Is it going to be seen as a Grand Slam by everyone -- by the media, by the players? I don't know." Added former Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Ons Jabeur, "We need to improve the structure we have right now more than to have a fifth Grand Slam. I feel like we can do much better things with the four Grand Slams we have and do better for players, for media, and for everyone else around it." A request for comment sent to the Grand Slam board, which represents the four majors, was not immediately answered. Retractable Roof After years of delays, organizers announced new plans to build a retractable roof over the Italian Open's main stadium, Campo Centrale. At a cost of 60 million euros ($67 million), the roof is slated to be ready for the 2028 tournament and will also result in 2,000 extra seats being added -- increasing the capacity to 12,500. Larger grounds For this year's tournament, the event grounds at the Foro Italico were increased from 12 to 20 hectares (30 to 50 acres) and another statue-lined competition arena was added. The Stadio dei Marmi hosted three courts: a 3,000-seat arena and two courts each featuring seating for 800. The 3,000-seat arena became the tournament's third-largest show court after Campo Centrale and the Grand Stand Arena, making the Pietrangeli court -- which also features an array of statues -- the fourth largest.
Toronto Star
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Italian Open organizers want to make the tournament a 5th Grand Slam
ROME (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is dominating men's tennis and Italy swept both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles last year. Jasmine Paolini just became the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years and is about to move up to No. 4 in the women's rankings. Players like Lorenzo Musetti, Federico Cinà and Tyra Caterina Grant provide the potential for Italy to dominate tennis for years to come. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Still, Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president Angelo Binaghi wants more. Much more. Binaghi has the grandiose aim to make the Italian Open a fifth Grand Slam tournament alongside the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open — upending a century of tennis history. 'In what other part of society is there a monopoly that lasts for more than 100 years?' Binaghi said Sunday, the final day of the Italian Open. 'Why are there always four and always the same four? … It's absolutely unfair and doesn't help tennis grow.' The Italian Open is a Masters Series event that is one rung below the Slams in the hierarchy of tennis tournaments. But the event at the Foro Italico now runs for two weeks like the majors and is booming thanks to the successes of Sinner, Paolini and many other Italian players. Italy has also hosted the ATP Finals in Turin since 2021 and recently extended its hosting contract for the year-ending tournament featuring the top eight men's players through 2030. Also, the Davis Cup Final 8 will begin a three-year run in Italy this November, starting in Bologna. 'We're now the world champion both on the court and at the organizational level,' Binaghi said. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Earlier this year, Binaghi expressed interest in acquiring the license for the Madrid Open, which immediately precedes Rome in the tennis calendar. The idea was that eliminating Madrid and making Rome bigger could constitute a fifth Slam. 'We need to be attentive on the international market and try to take advantage of every opportunity that arises, from the smallest ATP 250 all the way up to the biggest tournaments,' Binaghi said. Tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami have also been mentioned as possible fifth Slams. 'I mean, it would be great for me, because I'm trying to win one,' said Alexander Zverev, a two-time Rome champion, when asked about the possibility earlier this year. 'Is it possible to make one? Yeah, for sure. … Is it going to be seen as a Grand Slam by everyone — by the media, by the players? I don't know.' Added former Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Ons Jabeur, 'We need to improve the structure we have right now more than to have a fifth Grand Slam. I feel like we can do much better things with the four Grand Slams we have and do better for players, for media, and for everyone else around it.' A request for comment sent to the Grand Slam board, which represents the four majors, was not immediately answered. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Retractable Roof After years of delays, organizers announced new plans to build a retractable roof over the Italian Open's main stadium, Campo Centrale. At a cost of 60 million euros ($67 million), the roof is slated to be ready for the 2028 tournament and will also result in 2,000 extra seats being added — increasing the capacity to 12,500. Larger grounds For this year's tournament, the event grounds at the Foro Italico were increased from 12 to 20 hectares (30 to 50 acres) and another statue-lined competition arena was added. The Stadio dei Marmi hosted three courts: a 3,000-seat arena and two courts each featuring seating for 800. The 3,000-seat arena became the tournament's third-largest show court after Campo Centrale and the Grand Stand Arena, making the Pietrangeli court — which also features an array of statues — the fourth largest. ___ AP Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich in Miami Gardens, Florida, contributed to this report. ___ AP tennis:
18-05-2025
- Sport
Italian Open organizers want to make the tournament a 5th Grand Slam
ROME -- ROME (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is dominating men's tennis and Italy swept both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles last year. Jasmine Paolini just became the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years and is about to move up to No. 4 in the women's rankings. Players like Lorenzo Musetti, Federico Cinà and Tyra Caterina Grant provide the potential for Italy to dominate tennis for years to come. Still, Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president Angelo Binaghi wants more. Much more. Binaghi has the grandiose aim to make the Italian Open a fifth Grand Slam tournament alongside the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open — upending a century of tennis history. 'In what other part of society is there a monopoly that lasts for more than 100 years?' Binaghi said Sunday, the final day of the Italian Open. 'Why are there always four and always the same four? … It's absolutely unfair and doesn't help tennis grow.' The Italian Open is a Masters Series event that is one rung below the Slams in the hierarchy of tennis tournaments. But the event at the Foro Italico now runs for two weeks like the majors and is booming thanks to the successes of Sinner, Paolini and many other Italian players. Italy has also hosted the ATP Finals in Turin since 2021 and recently extended its hosting contract for the year-ending tournament featuring the top eight men's players through 2030. Also, the Davis Cup Final 8 will begin a three-year run in Italy this November, starting in Bologna. 'We're now the world champion both on the court and at the organizational level,' Binaghi said. Earlier this year, Binaghi expressed interest in acquiring the license for the Madrid Open, which immediately precedes Rome in the tennis calendar. The idea was that eliminating Madrid and making Rome bigger could constitute a fifth Slam. 'We need to be attentive on the international market and try to take advantage of every opportunity that arises, from the smallest ATP 250 all the way up to the biggest tournaments,' Binaghi said. A request for comment sent to the Grand Slam board, which represents the four majors, was not immediately answered. After years of delays, organizers announced new plans to build a retractable roof over the Italian Open's main stadium, Campo Centrale. At a cost of 60 million euros ($67 million), the roof is slated to be ready for the 2028 tournament and will also result in 2,000 extra seats being added — increasing the capacity to 12,500. For this year's tournament, the event grounds at the Foro Italico were increased from 12 to 20 hectares (30 to 50 acres) and another statue-lined competition arena was added. The Stadio dei Marmi hosted three courts: a 3,000-seat arena and two courts each featuring seating for 800. The 3,000-seat arena became the tournament's third-largest show court after Campo Centrale and the Grand Stand Arena, making the Pietrangeli court — which also features an array of statues — the fourth largest.
News18
18-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Italy's Tennis Chief Wants Italian Open To Become Fifth Grand Slam Tournament
Last Updated: Jannik Sinner is dominating men's tennis, while Jasmine Paolini won the Italian Open. Italy aims to make the Italian Open a fifth Grand Slam and will host the Davis Cup Final 8. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is dominating men's tennis and Italy swept both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles last year. Jasmine Paolini just became the first home player to win the Italian Open in 40 years and is about to move up to No. 4 in the women's rankings. Players like Lorenzo Musetti, Federico Cinà and Tyra Caterina Grant provide the potential for Italy to dominate tennis for years to come. Still, Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president Angelo Binaghi wants more. Much more. Binaghi has the grandiose aim to make the Italian Open a fifth Grand Slam tournament alongside the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open — upending a century of tennis history. 'In what other part of society is there a monopoly that lasts for more than 100 years?" Binaghi said Sunday, the final day of the Italian Open. 'Why are there always four and always the same four? … It's absolutely unfair and doesn't help tennis grow." advetisement The Italian Open is a Masters Series event that is one rung below the Slams in the hierarchy of tennis tournaments. But the event at the Foro Italico now runs for two weeks like the majors and is booming thanks to the successes of Sinner, Paolini and many other Italian players. Italy has also hosted the ATP Finals in Turin since 2021 and recently extended its hosting contract for the year-ending tournament featuring the top eight men's players through 2030. Also, the Davis Cup Final 8 will begin a three-year run in Italy this November, starting in Bologna. 'We're now the world champion both on the court and at the organizational level," Binaghi said. Earlier this year, Binaghi expressed interest in acquiring the license for the Madrid Open, which immediately precedes Rome in the tennis calendar. The idea was that eliminating Madrid and making Rome bigger could constitute a fifth Slam. 'We need to be attentive on the international market and try to take advantage of every opportunity that arises, from the smallest ATP 250 all the way up to the biggest tournaments," Binaghi said. A request for comment sent to the Grand Slam board, which represents the four majors, was not immediately answered. Retractable Roof After years of delays, organisers announced new plans to build a retractable roof over the Italian Open's main stadium, Campo Centrale. At a cost of 60 million euros ($67 million), the roof is slated to be ready for the 2028 tournament and will also result in 2,000 extra seats being added, increasing the capacity to 12,500. Larger grounds Advertisement For this year's tournament, the event grounds at the Foro Italico were increased from 12 to 20 hectares (30 to 50 acres) and another statue-lined competition arena was added. top videos View All The Stadio dei Marmi hosted three courts: a 3,000-seat arena and two courts each featuring seating for 800. The 3,000-seat arena became the tournament's third-largest show court after Campo Centrale and the Grand Stand Arena, making the Pietrangeli court, which also features an array of statues, the fourth largest. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Associated Press) Watch CNN-News18 here. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : italian open tennis Location : Rome, Italy First Published: May 18, 2025, 18:48 IST News sports Italy's Tennis Chief Wants Italian Open To Become Fifth Grand Slam Tournament
