The Italian Open has unveiled its newly constructed triple stadium complex as the tournament organizers openly aim to elevate its status and become the fifth Grand Slam in tennis.
The Rome Masters tournament, a prominent event in the Masters 1000 series – the highest level below the four Grand Slams – is scheduled to begin on May 6.
Its renowned clay courts solidify its position as a key date on the tennis calendar and an attractive destination for fans globally.
Now, spectators have an even greater incentive to visit the Foro Italico tennis center, thanks to the addition of three brand new courts.
Two new stadiums were constructed adjacent to the Stadio Olimpico, the home ground for Serie A football clubs Roma and Lazio. These facilities were remarkably built directly atop an existing athletics track and field arena.
The original athletics track remains in place, as do the amphitheater-style steps surrounding it, allowing the entire venue to effectively function as a unique triple stadium complex.
This development means the Italian Open site has undergone significant expansion, growing from 12 hectares to 20 hectares. The complex now features nine match courts and 12 training courts, enhancing its capacity and facilities.
The primary new court within the complex is named the SuperTennis Arena and boasts a seating capacity of 3,000 spectators.
This substantial renovation and expansion are expected to significantly bolster the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation`s (FITP) ongoing bid to host a fifth Grand Slam tournament.
The FITP has reportedly put forward a considerable bid, approximately valued at £436 million (around $550 million USD), in an attempt to acquire the calendar slot currently occupied by a rival tournament held in Madrid.
Currently, the Mutua Madrid Masters takes place immediately before the Italian Open, with its 2025 final scheduled for May 4th, two weeks ahead of the Rome final on May 18th.
However, the apparent goal of the FITP is to secure the week in the tennis calendar presently held by Madrid. This acquisition would allow them to expand the Internazionali BNL d`Italia into a full two-week event, mirroring the duration of the Grand Slams and including dedicated days for qualifying matches and player preparations.
While many Masters events have already been extended from a traditional one-week duration to ten-day tournaments, only the four existing Grand Slams – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open – currently span two full weeks.
