A new grass-court ATP 250 tournament is set to take place in Milan from 2028, with the iconic San Siro stadium being considered as a potential venue. The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation has acquired the rights to the tournament, which was previously held in Brussels. The event is scheduled to occur every June, starting in 2028, and the San Siro stadium, with its massive capacity of over 75,000, is a strong contender to host it.
According to federation president Angelo Binaghi, the decision on the venue has not been finalized, but the northern region of Italy is the likely location due to climate reasons. Binaghi also mentioned that the introduction of practice courts within Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium could serve as a model for the San Siro. Italy has previously hosted a WTA grass-court tournament in Gaiba from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation is set to host the ATP Finals in Turin until 2030 and the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna until next year, as well as the Rome Masters on clay before the French Open.
The federation is also planning to install a retractable roof at the Foro Italico's Campo Centrale, with construction expected to begin after this year's Internazionali BNL d'Italia and be completed in time for the 2028 edition. Furthermore, Binaghi expressed his ambition to elevate the tournament in Rome to the status of a fifth Grand Slam, rivaling the likes of Indian Wells. Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner is also aiming to become the first Italian man to win the singles title at the Foro Italico in 50 years, since Adriano Panatta's victory.