San Siro Stadium in Milan May Host ATP Grass-Court Event Starting 2028

A new grass-court ATP 250 tournament, serving as a Wimbledon warm-up, is set to take place in Milan beginning in 2028, with the iconic San Siro stadium being considered as a potential venue. The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation has acquired the rights to a 250-level ATP Tour event, previously held in Brussels in October. This new tournament will be held annually in June, starting in 2028, and while the exact location is yet to be decided, Milan's San Siro, with its capacity of over 75,000, is a strong contender due to its size and northern Italian location. According to federation president Angelo Binaghi, the choice of venue will be made with climate considerations in mind, making northern Italy a probable host. The introduction of practice courts within Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu for the Madrid Open has set a precedent, making the San Siro a viable option. Italy has previously hosted a grass-court WTA tournament in Gaiba from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, the federation is set to host the ATP Finals in Turin until 2030, the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna until next year, and the Rome Masters on clay before the French Open. Plans are also underway to install a retractable roof at the Foro Italico's Campo Centrale, with work scheduled to commence after this year's Internazionali BNL d'Italia and be completed in time for the 2028 edition. Binaghi expressed ambitions to elevate the tournament in Rome to the status of a fifth Grand Slam, rivaling the likes of Indian Wells and positioning it alongside the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open as one of the sport's premier events. Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner is aiming to make history by becoming the first Italian man to win the singles title at the Foro Italico since Adriano Panatta's victory 50 years ago.