The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation has acquired the rights to host a 250-level ATP Tour event, previously held in Brussels, and plans to relocate it to Milan starting in 2028. The tournament, which will take place on grass, is expected to be held in June and may be hosted at the renowned San Siro stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, with a seating capacity of over 75,000. According to federation president Angelo Binaghi, the decision on the venue is still pending, but the San Siro is a strong contender due to its size and the success of similar events, such as the Madrid Open's introduction of practice courts at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu. Binaghi noted that the event's location will likely be in northern Italy due to climate considerations.
This development follows Italy's previous experience hosting a WTA grass-court tournament in Gaiba from 2022 to 2024. The federation is also set to host the ATP Finals in Turin until 2030 and the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna until next year, in addition to the Rome Masters on clay prior to the French Open.
Furthermore, plans are underway to install a retractable roof at the Foro Italico's Campo Centrale, with construction scheduled to commence after this year's Internazionali BNL d'Italia and be completed in time for the 2028 edition. Binaghi expressed his ambition to establish the Rome tournament as a fifth Grand Slam, rivaling the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. The Italian tennis scene is also abuzz with Jannik Sinner's quest to become the first Italian man to win the singles title at the Foro Italico since Adriano Panatta's victory 50 years ago.