Italy pushes for historic fifth tennis Grand Slam as Binaghi backs Rome bid

Binaghi believes Rome should host the proposed tournament, citing the country's rapid rise as a major force in world tennis and its expanding role on the global calendar.

Rome already stages the Italian Open, a combined ATP and WTA 1000 event, while Italy also hosts the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals.

In addition, the country stages several smaller tournaments, underlining what Binaghi describes as a sustained and strategic investment in the sport.

He has stressed that Italy must continue to invest heavily in tennis to maintain its current momentum.

That momentum is reflected in the players themselves. Jannik Sinner has climbed to world No. 1 in the ATP rankings and has already won four Grand Slam titles, while Jasmine Paolini is ranked No. 8 in the WTA standings and is a two-time Grand Slam finalist.

Italy currently boasts eight men inside the ATP top 100 and has a strong presence in doubles, with Paolini, Sara Errani, Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli among the leading names.

"A Grand Slam in Italy will be possible when the government invests in tennis's potential. Economy Minister Giorgetti told me that at global financial meetings, before even greeting him, they congratulate him on Sinner and tennis," the Italian tennis boss told Corriere.

Binaghi's comments come against the backdrop of growing involvement from Saudi Arabia in elite tennis.

The ATP and WTA have both formed partnerships with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with Riyadh hosting the WTA Finals and having previously staged the ATP Next Gen Finals.

The ATP has also announced a one-week Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia from 2028. 

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