Has Italy taken over world tennis?: From Grand Slams to Olympics success

The Italians once again confirmed their strong presence in both men's and women's tennis. In the three Grand Slams held this year, they have had at least one Italian in the late rounds.

For the women, Jasmine Paolini has been the unexpected Italian leader. She started the year barely in the top 30 but became one of the main names on the women’s tour, winning her first WTA 1000 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and finishing as runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon.

In the men’s draw, Sinner secured the first Grand Slam title for an Italian in the Open Era and the first since Nicola Pietrangeli at the 1960 Roland Garros. Later, at the French Open, Sinner reached the semifinals, and at Wimbledon, he made it to the quarterfinals. However, Musetti carried the torch at SW19 by being a semifinalist, once again ensuring an Italian among the final four at a Slam.

The top Italian players in the rankings are of the same age, at 22 years old: Jannik Sinner (No. 1), Lorenzo Musetti (No. 17), Luciano Darderi (No. 31), and Flavio Cobolli (No. 34). Further down the list are Matteo Berrettini (No. 40, 28 years old), Matteo Arnaldi (No. 46, 23 years old), and Lorenzo Sonego (No. 54, 29 years old).

On the women’s side, only Jasmine Paolini (No. 5) stands out in the top ranks. Following her are Elisabetta Cocciaretto (No. 64), Lucia Bronzetti (No. 66), Martina Trevisan (No. 73), and Sara Errani (No. 93). Veteran Sara Errani, a former world No. 1 in doubles, is currently ranked No. 16.

The Italians have also achieved success in international competitions representing their country over the past year. In 2023, they reached the final of the Billie Jean King Cup, and they won the Davis Cup, led by Jannik Sinner, at the end of 2024.