ROME — The landscape of elite tennis, long defined by its four historic Grand Slam tournaments, could be on the cusp of a monumental expansion. Angelo Binaghi, the influential president of the Italian Tennis Federation (FIT), has publicly and ambitiously declared his goal to elevate the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome to Grand Slam status, effectively creating a "fifth major" on the professional circuit.
In a recent interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Binaghi outlined a bold vision for the future, stating that the iconic Foro Italico is the ideal candidate to host such an event. His comments have ignited widespread discussion within the tennis world about the feasibility, necessity, and potential impact of adding another two-week, 128-draw tournament to an already packed calendar.
The Case for a Roman Grand Slam
Binaghi’s confidence stems from the tournament's existing prestige and recent massive investments. The Internazionali BNL d'Italia is already one of the most prestigious events outside the Grand Slams, part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 series. It boasts a rich history dating back to 1930 and is revered by players for its unique atmosphere and challenging red clay courts.
The president pointed to the "extraordinary growth" of the event, particularly following a €100 million ($108 million) renovation project completed in recent years. This overhaul transformed the Foro Italico, adding a new 10,000-seat stadium (Pietrangeli), a retractable roof over the iconic Center Court (Campo Centrale), and vastly improved player and media facilities. "We have created a facility that is already worthy of a Grand Slam," Binaghi asserted.
He further bolstered his argument with impressive attendance figures, noting that the 2024 edition drew over 340,000 spectators across its two-week run. This number rivals and, in some cases, surpasses the attendance of existing Grand Slams in their early days of expansion. The tournament's commercial success, backed by title sponsor BNL (BNP Paribas Group), also demonstrates its financial viability at the highest level.
Navigating the Grand Slam Governance
The primary hurdle, however, is not infrastructure or popularity, but tennis politics. The designation of a "Grand Slam" is not officially governed by the ATP or WTA tours but is a historical title bestowed upon the Australian Open, Roland Garros (French Open), Wimbledon, and the US Open. These four tournaments operate under the banner of the Grand Slam Board, a powerful consortium that would need to unanimously approve any new member.
Binaghi acknowledged this significant challenge but suggested a strategic pathway. He proposed that the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the sport's global governing body, could play a key role in recognizing a new major. "The ITF should take the initiative," he stated, framing the expansion as a necessary evolution for the sport's global growth and a way to better reward players.
The Italian proposal raises immediate questions about the calendar. The current tennis season is a meticulously balanced, and often criticized, juggling act. Inserting another two-week major would require a radical reshuffle. Rome currently sits in May, directly after Madrid and immediately before Roland Garros, creating the demanding "Clay-Court Swing."
Key considerations for a calendar shift include:
- Protecting the Clay Season: Would three clay-court majors (Rome, Roland Garris, and a hypothetical new event) be too many?
- Player Workload: Adding a fifth two-week major intensifies concerns about athlete physical and mental fatigue.
- Existing Tournaments: Events in Madrid, Canada, and Cincinnati would fiercely resist being downgraded or displaced.
Player Reactions and Global Rivalry
The idea of a fifth Slam is not new, and Rome is not the only city with aspirations. For decades, tournaments in Miami, Madrid, and Shanghai have been mentioned as potential candidates. Notably, the combined ATP-WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells is frequently called the "fifth major" due to its size, attendance, and prestige, though it remains a 96-draw event over roughly 12 days.
Player reactions have been mixed but intrigued. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, has previously spoken about the tournament's special place. "Rome has always been one of the most important tournaments in the world... with the latest improvements, it's definitely closer to a Grand Slam standard than any other tournament," he said in 2023.
However, other players express caution. Adding a fifth major would dilute the exclusivity of the achievement and place greater physical demands on the tour's stars. The Grand Slam Board itself has historically been conservative, focusing on enhancing its existing four properties rather than expanding the club.
The Precedent of Success: Rome's Transformation
What sets Binaghi's campaign apart is the tangible evidence of Rome's upgrade. The federation didn't just propose an idea; they built it. The new Pietrangeli stadium, with its intimate bowl and proximity to the players, is widely praised. The roof over Center Court guarantees play regardless of weather, a critical requirement for a major.
Furthermore, the tournament has successfully attracted top-tier sponsorship and broadcast deals. Its location in one of the world's great historical and cultural capitals provides an undeniable allure for fans and players alike, offering an experience distinct from Melbourne, Paris, London, and New York.
Conclusion: A Long-Term Vision
While the immediate creation of a fifth Grand Slam in Rome remains a long shot against entrenched traditions and complex governance, Angelo Binaghi has successfully launched a compelling vision into the tennis ecosystem. His statements are less an immediate demand and more a strategic positioning of Rome as the foremost candidate should the sport ever decide to expand its pinnacle events.
The debate forces the tennis world to consider its future: Is the century-old model of four majors sacrosanct, or should the sport evolve to recognize other tournaments that have grown to meet and exceed the original benchmarks? For now, Rome has staked its claim unequivocally. "We are ready," Binaghi declared, setting the stage for a fascinating political and sporting discussion in the years to come.
The journey from a Masters 1000 to a Grand Slam is monumental, involving negotiations with the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the existing Grand Slam Board. Yet, by combining world-class facilities, massive fan support, and bold leadership, the Italian Tennis Federation has ensured that the concept of a "Fifth Grand Slam" will be seriously discussed with Rome at the very center of the conversation.