Italy to Host New Grass-Court ATP 250 Tournament Starting in 2028

The landscape of professional tennis in Italy is set for a significant expansion. The Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel (FITP) has officially announced the acquisition of the ATP 250 license previously held by Brussels, bringing a new grass-court ATP 250 tournament to Italy.

FITP President Angelo Binaghi delivered the news during the presentation conference for the Internazionali d’Italia. According to official communications, the new event is scheduled to join the professional calendar starting in 2028.

Expanding the Italian Tennis Footprint

The move represents a strategic shift for Italian tennis, introducing a surface that has traditionally been less prevalent in the country’s tournament circuit. By securing the Brussels license, the FITP ensures a permanent spot for a grass-court event on the ATP Tour within Italian borders.

This announcement comes as the sport continues to spot a surge in popularity across the region, anchored by the prestige of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, held at the historic Foro Italico in Rome.

For global fans, this addition means more opportunities to see top-tier talent compete on grass outside of the traditional UK-centric swing, potentially altering how players prepare for the grass-court season.

Strategic Timing and Partnerships

The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the lead-up to the Rome tournament, underscores the FITP’s ambition to further cement Italy as a premier destination for global tennis. While the 2028 start date provides a multi-year window for infrastructure and logistical planning, the acquisition of the license is a concrete step in diversifying the nation’s sporting offerings.

Parallel to these developments in tournament hosting, the ATP continues to strengthen its commercial ties. The ATP Tour recently renewed its partnership with Asti Docg, extending the collaboration for an additional two years.

Key Details of the Announcement

• License Source: Acquired from the ATP 250 of Brussels.
• Surface: Grass.
• Start Date: 2028.
• Governing Body: Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel (FITP).

As the FITP moves toward the 2028 launch, the focus will likely shift toward determining the specific venue and organizational framework required to maintain a professional grass-court surface, which demands specialized maintenance compared to the clay courts common in Rome.

The next confirmed checkpoint will be further official updates from the FITP regarding the specific location and venue details for the 2028 event.

Do you think a grass-court tournament will help Italian players improve their performance at Wimbledon? Let us grasp in the comments.