No Fifth Grand Slam on my watch says Feliciano Lopez, snubs rumours of Rome Open buying Madrid Open
ATP
Feliciano Lopez has stated that there are no plans to sell the Madrid Open to Rome to form a dual Masters tournament held in Italy after rumours flooded the market that the tournament was up for sale and that it could yet move.
Last year saw Andrey Rublev defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime for the title in Madrid. He produced one of the biggest shocks of that season as he took down Carlos Alcaraz on home soil 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
But despite the recent rumours that surround the tournament, it will not be moving from its current spot and moving to Rome as an extended 1000 tournament despite recent rumours.
According to La Stampa, IGM has received an offer in region of £435million to expand the length of the Rome Masters to two weeks. It could be seen as an unofficial fifth slam. The news followed Endeavour announcing in October that it was considering the sale of some events in the IMG portfolio. This includes Madrid and Miami.
Ion Tiriac sold the tournament in 2021 for a fee around £323m but despite that Lopez says they are not looking to sell and that it will remain as it forms the identity of the Spanish people.
“The tournament’s owner has nothing to do with the tournament leaving Madrid,” said Lopez as per a recent interview with Marca.
“The tournament is here until 2030, regardless of who the owners are but if someone wants to buy the tournament, it’s because it’s played in Madrid and because the people of Madrid respond to it.
“The tournament has been around for 20 years and is well-established and the people of Madrid feel it’s theirs.
“Part of the success of this tournament is because it’s played here in Madrid and whoever wants to buy it realizes that.
“All those people who are interested and come here realize that this also works because of the support of Madrid.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
