Italy Unveils Plans for Wimbledon Warm-up Event at Iconic San Siro in 2028

Italy Unveils Plans for Wimbledon Warm-up Event at Iconic San Siro in 2028

Italy will welcome a Wimbledon warm-up event in June 2028, potentially at the renowned San Siro stadium in Milan. This new tournament aims to provide players with an additional opportunity to prepare for Wimbledon, enhancing their performance on grass courts. The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president, Angelo Binaghi, announced on Tuesday that they have acquired rights to a 250-level ATP tournament previously held in Brussels during October. He emphasized the likelihood of hosting the event in northern Italy due to favorable climate conditions. Key details include: The San Siro, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, is a potential venue. Binaghi noted, "For climate reasons, it will probably be held in northern Italy." He referenced Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, which hosts practice courts for major events, stating, "For once, we wouldn’t be the first to do it." However, challenges arise concerning the San Siro's demolition timeline, set to begin after the current season, as both Milan clubs purchased the stadium for £170m last October. A new 71,000-seater stadium is expected to be completed by 2030. The scheduling of this event remains uncertain, as it must fit within a crowded grass court calendar that includes prestigious tournaments like Queen’s, Halle, and various ATP 250 events. The federation's efforts to elevate Italy's standing in tennis coincide with the growing popularity of the sport, fueled by Jannik Sinner’s ascent. Additionally, Turin will host the ATP Finals until 2030, while Bologna is set for the Davis Cup Finals next year. Rome also hosts a major clay court Masters event in May, preceding the French Open.

Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-15