The money war explodes in tennis
The organizers of the Italian Open take the side of the players. The reason? The distribution of prizes in large tournaments. And it’s not just another complaint.
Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, does not mince words: “It is scandalous that the ATP requires us to share a larger portion of income with the players and that the four Grand Slams distribute a smaller portion.”
“I want to blow up this monopoly,” Binaghi said.
What is happening?
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, two of the best in the world, have already threatened to boycott the Slams if compensation is not improved. The next French Open is in the crosshairs: tennis players would receive only 14.3% of the income, compared to 22% in ATP and WTA tournaments like the one in Rome.
Binaghi sees it clearly: “It is shameful and creates competitive inequalities. The four nations that organize Slams have money to invest in technical areas that others do not have.”
The dream of the fifth Grand Slam
Italy is at its best tennis moment. With Jannik Sinner as world number one, three compatriots in the men’s Top 20 and Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup titles, Binaghi wants to turn the Italian Open into the fifth Grand Slam.
But there are obstacles. The Foro Italico is becoming too small. Work on a retractable roof on Center Court will begin after this year’s tournament and will be completed by 2028. Capacity will rise from 10,500 to 12,400 seats. Still, the French Open hosted almost 700,000 people last year, while Rome hopes to surpass 400,000.
“If we are going to aim high, we should not focus exclusively on the Foro Italico,” Binaghi admitted, opening the door to moving the tournament.
Sinner, the man of the moment
Jasmine Paolini already gave Italy the women’s titles last year. Now Sinner is favorite to break a 50-year drought without an Italian men’s champion in Rome. His main rival, Carlos Alcaraz, is out due to injury.
Binaghi joked: “If Sinner wins in Rome and Paris, maybe he should resign.”
Tennis is changing. And this time, the players are not silent.
