Internazionali d'Italia 2026: Sinner chases Panatta in the Foro Italico of records

A constant improvement that today is measured in sports results, attractiveness for sponsors, but above all in the ability to generate value. The Rome event - organised by Fitp with Sport and Health, and with the support of the Minister of Sport and Youth, the Lazio Region, Roma Capitale and Title Sponsor Bnl Bnp Paribas, a partner of Federtennis for 20 years - produces an economic impact on the territory that grows year after year, multiplied by media coverage that reaches over 50 countries and 220 territories. Last year it was estimated by the Boston Consulting Group at around 900 million euros between direct, indirect and induced effects, with a benefit for the tax authorities of around 150 million. The 2026 edition is aiming to beat this record, approaching or even surpassing one billion in impact on the territory, as well as the number of tickets sold. In the 2025 edition, 394,000 were sold. By mid-April, 220 thousand cutters had already been purchased, 8.6 per cent more than in the same period the year before, an increase in takings of 26 per cent. Prices again this year are variable and can exceed one thousand euros for top matches, but are in line with the very high demand and the international market for big events.

And to think that in 2010 alone the Internationals for the first time exceeded 100,000 spectators with takings of around 5 million euro. In twenty years, the increase in revenue, due in part to the lengthening of the Masters 1000 to 14 days, but above all to the cavalcade of tricolour tennis and the progressive adaptation of the facilities at the Foro Italico, has been 1,700 per cent.

The limitation of the Internationals today is not the demand but the facility's space. The 2026 edition will be played on 21 courts (19 at the Foro Italico and 2 on the Lungotevere) distributed over 20 hectares, with three main poles: the Central, the Grand Stand Arena, completely redesigned and for 2026 renamed the Bnp Paribas Arena, in the area of the Stadio dei Marmi, which with its over 7,000 seats guarantees about 12,000 more spectators overall than last year; and the SuperTennis Arena, located next to the former Youth Hostel.

Major expansions, then. Although the turning point is expected in 2028, when the Centrale will be covered and become a multifunctional facility that can be used all year round (work will start in June). The redevelopment project of the Foro Italico Park, as explained by the president of Sport and Health, Marco Mezzarona, is profound and envisages an investment of 160 million, with 5.6 hectares of reclaimed greenery, restored mosaic surfaces and new spaces open to all citizens.