Italy has long valued life’s finer pleasures, such as food, art, and fashion, but tennis is now making a significant mark in the country’s cultural landscape. With nine players ranked in the top 100 and five in the top 50, Italy is experiencing a golden age in tennis, largely thanks to Jannik Sinner—four-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 1 since June – as Italians say “effetto Sinner dallo sport Made in Italy”. While soccer has historically dominated, the absence of global superstars following the national team’s failure to qualify for the last World Cup has opened the door for tennis to gain popularity. What makes the Italian tennis players so unique? A key aspect of recent health advancements involves addressing both physical and psychological aspects. The Italian Tennis Federation promotes a holistic approach focused on mental strength, emphasising the importance of individuals' well-being. The coaching staff and national team recognise that off-field wellness is vital for cultivating professionals who perform with joy. Learning from both successes and setbacks is crucial. Intensive support extends to athletes, teams, and their families, fostering unity and minimising tensions, enabling champions to reach their full potential. A strong belief in well-being creates a winning mentality, and young players exemplify this by integrating efforts on and off the pitch. And Jannik Sinner is a prime example of this approach working.
Tennis has gained significant traction in Italy, largely thanks to Jannik Sinner's success and the national tennis federation's strategic changes. The federation now supports private teams and independent coaches, ensuring that top players have access to essential resources, such as physiotherapists and nutritionists. This approach has led to the rise of players such as Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti, and Matteo Berrettini. There is a targeted effort underway in Italy to improve tennis coaching standards through workshops that emphasise data analytics for personalised training. This approach enables coaches to identify player strengths and weaknesses more effectively. It appears to be working as Italy hosts 148 international tournaments, second only to Spain in Europe, providing crucial development opportunities for players. This is particularly helpful given the limited number of Grand Slam tournaments in Italy. However, Turin is set to host the ATP Finals, and the Italian Open is a major clay-court event in Rome.
In Italy, SuperTennis, a channel managed by the national tennis federation, offers extensive tennis coverage, including exclusive rights to the US Open until 2030. Italy's tennis success has historically been limited, with Jannik Sinner and Adriano Panatta being notable male Grand Slam winners. On the women's side, Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta have also claimed Grand Slam titles. Recently, success has surged, with Marco Cecchinato's quarterfinal run in 2018, Matteo Berrettini reaching the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams, and four Italian men—Sinner, Musetti, Sonego, and Cobolli—reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time. Jasmine Paolini's rise included back-to-back finals at the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as a gold medal in Olympic doubles. Sara Errani, alongside Andrea Vavassori, made history with mixed doubles titles at the US Open and Roland Garros.
Italian tennis is currently experiencing a remarkable era, having won two consecutive Davis Cup titles, which has inspired a new generation of players. At just 24 years old, Jannik Sinner captivates Italian fans with his exceptional ball-striking talent and humble demeanour. A key question remains: how long will Italy be able to maintain its top tennis players, especially with Carlos Alcaraz as a major rival? However, with the Italian Tennis Federation's strategy focused on youth development, Italy is well-prepared to navigate the ups and downs of this sport.
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