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Wimbledon warm-up event to take place in Italy – and it could be inside iconic stadium
TL;DR
Italy will host a Wimbledon warm-up event in June 2028, potentially at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation has acquired rights to a 250-level ATP tournament to be held before Wimbledon.
The San Siro could play a part in hosting a new grass court tennis event in Italy in 2028 (Reuters)
Italy will host a Wimbledon warm-up event in 2028 and it could take place inside the legendary San Siro stadium in Milan.
The new event, set to debut in June 2028, will be held in northern Italy and serve as an extra option for players looking to fine-tune their game before Wimbledon.
The president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, Angelo Binaghi, revealed on Tuesday that they have purchased the rights to a 250-level ATP tournament from Brussels, a tournament currently held in October.
"There's still time to decide where to play it," Binaghi said. "For climate reasons, it will probably be held in northern Italy."
Binaghi also did not rule out the San Siro, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, playing a part in the event, in similarity to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium hosting practice courts for the Masters 1000 event in Madrid next week. “For once, we wouldn’t be the first to do it,” Binaghi added.
However, how a new event would work alongside the San Siro’s timeline for demolition – with works due to begin at the end of the current season – and redevelopment remains to be seen. Both Milan clubs bought the stadium and the surrounding land for £170m last October. A new 71,000-seater stadium has a 2030 target for completion.
Another key aspect is specifically when, in the relatively short grass court calendar, the event will take place. Queen’s and Halle host ATP 500 events, with Stuttgart, s-Hertogenbosch, Mallorca and Eastbourne all currently staging ATP 250 events before the third Grand Slam of the year.
The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation have already moved to host top events in recent years, buoyed by an increase in popularity in the sport and Jannik Sinner’s rise to the top.
Turin will host the end-of-season ATP Finals until 2030 and Bologna will play host to the Davis Cup Finals through to next year.
Rome also stages the traditional clay court Masters event in May, the final 1000-level event before the French Open at Roland Garros.
Q&A
What is the significance of the Wimbledon warm-up event in Italy in 2028?
The event will provide players with an additional opportunity to prepare for Wimbledon, enhancing their competitive edge.
Where will the Wimbledon warm-up event be held in Italy?
The event is expected to take place at the San Siro stadium in Milan, a renowned venue in the country.
What type of tournament will the new event in Italy be?
It will be a 250-level ATP tournament, which is part of the professional men's tennis circuit.