Angelo Binaghi Challenges “Grand Slam Monopoly”, Demands A Fifth Grand Slam

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The world of tennis has been taken by storm ever since Angelo Binaghi, the Italian Tennis President, ignited debate by demanding that the Italian Open in Rome be recognised as the sport’s fifth Grand Slam. He challenged the authority of four grand slams and called it a “monopoly.”

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Angelo Binaghi On The “Grand Slam Monopoly”

He expressed his views passionately on the final day of the Italian Open 2025 and questioned the logic and fairness of maintaining only four grand slams over the years. He said, “Why should there only be four, and always the same ones? Why do Grand Slam tournaments award double the points compared to Masters 1000 events? I believe this setup is absolutely unfair. It secures monopolies and does nothing to promote the development of tennis.”

His campaign is rooted in a renaissance in Italian tennis. In the last year, Italy won both the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup team titles. Jannik Sinner is the world number 1 in men’s ATP rankings, and Jasmine Paolini became the first woman in 40 years to win the Italian Open. He symbolised the nation’s rise and said, “We are world champions both on the court and in organising this event, especially when comparing our progress to where we started.”

“If we look at the numbers compared to last year, we have grown by 19%. This is the greatest growth in Italian tennis history, surpassing the previous 15.4%. We have a duty to make the most of this moment in the best possible way to make our disciplines more popular than ever, to ensure that this extraordinary moment lasts as long as possible,” he added

Angelo Binaghi has announced a €60 million renovation project, including a retractable roof for the Central Court by 2028, and an increase of 2,000 seats, aiming to elevate the tournament’s status. He said, “After 15 years of unfulfilled promises and waiting, this will allow us to increase capacity and enhance the venue’s aesthetic appeal.”

The Call For A Fifth Grand Slam

Italy has even offered a $550 million deal to acquire the Madrid Open to consolidate and elevate the Rome event to a fifth Grand Slam. He said, “We need to be attentive on the international market and try to take advantage of every opportunity that arises.”

Binaghi’s campaign to break the Grand Slam monopoly is more than just a bid for prestige. It’s a call for transformation in how tennis recognises and rewards talent. Whether the establishment of a fifth grand slam happens or not, this conversation about the future of grand slams is now impossible to ignore.

Also Read: All ATP And WTA Tournaments Before Roland-Garros 2025

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