WIll Italian Tennis Dominate the ATP?

While we have all been basking in the triumphs of two young Russians this year. A group of young, exciting Italians have produced a series of jaw-dropping displays which have cemented them as some of the most promising prospects in the men's game. 

It has been no secret that Jannik Sinner has lived up to the hype over the past year, however, the emergence of 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti in 2021 has added to the Italian hype train. Add in the semi-experienced Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Sonego, who are both still only 25 and 24 respectively, and you have got yourself a sensational Davis Cup rotation. 

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason for this Italian renaissance. However, the following factors could be major contributors.

Although it’s been the younger players that have caught the worlds attention so far this year, it’s safe to assume that the already well-established Italians have impacted their performances. With the likes of Fabio Fognini, Andreas Seppi and Simone Bolelli at the core of Italian tennis, the younger generation has a trio of experienced and successful players guiding them through the trial of tribulations of the ATP tour. 

Italian Brotherhood

Fabio and Simone partnered with Matteo earlier this year as part of the ATP cup team that made the final in Melbourne. Berrettini followed the tournament by telling the official ATP website, “we are always helping each other to get through our limits, one week [Fabio] is winning a tournament, the next week I’m trying to win”.

"It’s healthy competition.”

It’s not as if these older players are past their prime. Fabio continues to be ever-present in the top-30. Bolelli recently won the 250 event in Santiago. Although Andreas form has dipped over the past couple of years his personality still renders him essential to the Italian set-up. Therefore, they can still competitively push each other rather than just being vocal supporters. Supported by Bolelli’s decision to partner with Sinner in this week's Monte Carlo Masters. 

To delve deeper into the reason behind the resurgence, you have to look at the player's progression through the lower circuits of the tennis tour. 

The ability for young, hungry Italian players to gain crucial experience on the pro tour gives them an edge over other nations. Back in 2019, the last time tennis had a full calendar, there were EIGHTEEN Challenger events held in Italy. Each event allows for at least three main-draw wildcard entries, with qualifying allowing for even more. Many of which are given to Italians. For example, last years Trieste Challenger saw a promising young lad ranked 280th, named Lorenzo Musetti allowed to showcase his talents- losing a tight three-setter in the semis to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. Since then, he has risen 200 places and has showcased his potential to the entire world. More to the point, in the four Challenger tournaments hosted so far this year, 10 of the 12 main-draw wildcard entrants have been given to Italians. Highlighting the federations ability to invite promising national players whose ranking does not make them eligible for direct entry. 

Italian Events

It’s not just the increased likelihood of receiving wildcards that help fast-track Italians through the rankings. With so many events held within their homeland: the travel costs, which usually cripple prospects in the sport, are minimized. 

Prize money usually ranges between $40,000 and $250,000 on the Challenger tour, $15,000 and $25,000 on the ITF circuit. Therefore, first-round losses may sometimes not even cover the weekly expenditure for athletes coming from abroad. However, Italian nationals who can commute cheaply face no such worries. 

So while they are already benefiting more from being ITF ranked players receiving Challenger tour prize money. Combine that with lower travel costs. It means they receive greater profits which can be put towards enhancing their careers via better coaching etc.

It’s not a certainty that Italians will dominate the ATP tour but it is possible. We are all still unsure how long the likes of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have left at the top. Also, the competitiveness showed by Medvedev and Rublev this season means they are not going to roll over anytime in the future. Nevertheless, the emergence of Musetti and consistency from Fognini and Berrettini. Supported by the titles won by Sinner and Sonego in Adelaide and Cagliari this year makes the Italians a force to be reckoned with.

Patrick Stenson bring THE SLICE from outside London, England