The Rise of Italy as a Tennis Powerhouse
Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has recently emerged as a formidable force in the world of tennis. This transformation is not just a recent phenomenon but the result of a strategic and long-term approach to player development, coaching, and tournament accessibility.
A New Era for Italian Tennis
The current golden age of Italian tennis is marked by an unprecedented number of top-ranked players. Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, stands at the forefront of this movement. His success on the court and his charismatic off-court presence have made him a national icon. According to Ubaldo Scanagatta, a veteran journalist and founder of Ubitennis, “Sinner is the top athlete, the top sportsman in Italy… He’s already an idol.”
This shift in popularity is not solely due to Sinner’s achievements. The country’s tennis boom is also fueled by the growing interest in the sport, which has seen a significant increase in media coverage and public engagement. “We never had the front page of Gazzetta dello Sport showing tennis, and now tennis is every day in all papers,” Scanagatta notes.
Strategic Development and Coaching Innovations
A key factor behind Italy’s rise is the national federation’s proactive approach to player development. By supporting private teams and coaches, the federation has created a more competitive environment where the best resources are available to the most talented players. This includes access to physiotherapists, doctors, and nutritionists, ensuring that players receive comprehensive support.
Craig O’Shannessy, a leading strategy coach who has worked with the Italian federation since 2016, highlights the importance of this approach. “Italy is way ahead of the game,” he says. “They went all in, and in a very serious way… What they’ve done today was a vision 10 years ago.”
O’Shannessy emphasizes the shift from traditional coaching methods to a data-driven, player-centric approach. “I wanted to diminish that style of coaching and get them to play where the coaches would see very easily what the strengths and weaknesses of these players are,” he explains. This method has led to a more personalized and effective training regimen for young Italian players.
Tournament Accessibility and Player Exposure
Italy’s commitment to tennis is further reflected in its extensive tournament infrastructure. The country hosts 148 international competitions, accounting for eight percent of events across Europe. These tournaments provide crucial opportunities for young players to gain experience and exposure.
Scanagatta points out that “the Italian players can play at home” without the need to travel extensively. This not only reduces costs but also allows players to develop their skills in familiar environments. Additionally, the availability of wild card entries ensures that promising juniors can compete against more experienced players, helping them gain valuable ranking points.
Broadcasting and Fan Engagement
The accessibility of tennis matches in Italy is another significant factor in the sport’s growth. All Italian households have free access to SuperTennis, a TV channel managed by the national federation. This channel holds exclusive rights to the US Open in Italy up to 2030, along with limited rights to Wimbledon. The availability of these broadcasts ensures that fans can follow the sport closely, fostering a strong fan base.
A Legacy of Success
Historically, Italian tennis has had sporadic success, with Adriano Panatta being the only man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam at the 1976 French Open. However, the past few years have seen a surge in talent. Marco Cecchinato’s breakthrough quarterfinals victory against Novak Djokovic at the 2018 French Open, followed by Matteo Berrettini’s rise to the top 10, marked a turning point.
On the women’s side, Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta achieved major milestones, while Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani made history with their Olympic doubles gold and mixed doubles titles. These successes have inspired a new generation of players, creating a cycle of inspiration and achievement.
The Future of Italian Tennis
With Sinner at the peak of his career and a pipeline of young talent emerging, Italy is poised to maintain its dominance in the sport. O’Shannessy believes that the country’s structured approach ensures long-term success. “What the Italian federation is putting in place is here to stay,” he says. “They’re more likely to do best in all of those scenarios than any other country I see.”
As the sport continues to grow, the focus remains on nurturing talent, investing in coaching, and providing opportunities for players to thrive. With the right support, Italy’s tennis machine is set to produce more champions in the years to come.
