EXCLUSIVE: FITP President Angelo Binaghi analyzes the golden second of Italian tennis

It’s clear to everybody that tennis has a brand new nice heart: Italy. For the reason that implausible triumphs of the ladies’s doubles composed by Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci and the all-Italian remaining of the US Open 2015 between Vinci and Flavia Pennetta, we had made clear to everybody the nice work performed by President Angelo Binaghi and the Italian Tennis Federation.

After ten years, the centrality of Italian in tennis has turn into actuality, due to the nice work of the Federation. Jannik Sinner has introduced the Italian tennis motion to the highest, however the work of the FITP has introduced occasions such because the ATP Finals and unprecedented numbers on the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, to the nation.

In an unique interview kindly granted to Tennis World USA, President Binaghi analyzed the golden second of Italian tennis, with an eye fixed each to the current and to the long run.

President, Italy is on the prime of tennis: behind Jannik Sinner, Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani, there are women and boys who’re reaching extraordinary outcomes. We’re on the prime, however I consider that these outcomes can nonetheless enhance: from whom do you anticipate the leap in high quality now?

“We are the number one nation in the world, the strongest. But we can still improve the movement: Jannik Sinner, and also Jasmine Paolini, are an example for those who are behind. Jannik, above all, has another merit: that of allowing a “fair” development for the youngest like Cobolli and Nardi, simply to call a pair”.

Tennis in Italy has reached soccer in recognition, when it comes to gamers and membership members, and that is due to your work and that of your complete Federation perpetuated through the years: what numbers do you anticipate from 2025?

“Soccer is our target, the popularity of tennis has surpassed other sports. Numbers? We do not set limits: we work for the growth of tennis, padel and pickleball. In May there are the Internationals: we are aiming for a memorable edition. And then with the ATP Finals in Turin, and finally the Davis Cup in Bologna that will close the year, the interest will grow further”.

ATP Finals, Davis Cup Finals and clearly the Internazionali BNL d’Italia: tournaments that certify the central position that Italy now performs in tennis, however what are the subsequent targets of the Federation, relating to the group of different tennis and padel occasions?

“As regards the organizational aspect, it should be remembered that one of the many things that people abroad envy us is the spread of minor tournaments over the last few years, whether they were Challengers or low-end ATP tournaments, not just the big events: and we always aim to increase and stimulate, so that young people can play, compete and gain experience in Italy, thus helping them with the expenses that are usually prohibitive at the beginning of their career”.

Angelo Binaghi© GIAMPIERO SPOSITO / FITP

In Italy, everyone seems to be loopy about Jannik and tennis, however I’ve already supported the nice work of the Federation for the reason that triumphs of Errani/Vinci in doubles and the unforgettable remaining of the US Open between Pennetta and Vinci in 2015. But on the time we have been nonetheless too far behind soccer: was Sinner the driving pressure that led to this recognition?

“Today, Jannik is the so-called icing on the cake, a blessing that has sealed all the investments that the Fitp has made in these 24 years of my presidency. But if I have to indicate the decisive variable, I have no doubts: the Supertennis channel has been decisive in bringing tennis back to free and free television, in addition to the reorganization of the Fitp, both technical and administrative. Today we are enjoying the fruits of it, but we are not stopping. Absolutely not”.

Jannik has surpassed Pietrangeli’s Slam file, a file that’s destined to extend. And this contemplating that Sinner nonetheless has room for enchancment. How far can he go in his profession? Completely different eras, sure, however can he be in comparison with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic?

“The numbers say this, that he is the most successful Italian in the history of the Italian team. He himself continually repeats that he has room for improvement, so there are no secrets. We do not set limits on how far he can go, but it is useless and impossible to make predictions. The advice, if we really love him, is that we are the ones who have to make a sacrifice, leave him alone. Maybe even avoiding comparisons with the three greats just mentioned”.

Trying to the long run, our boys who develop up taking part in tennis, what recommendation do you are feeling like giving to all of the younger generations who need to emulate Sinner, Paolini and the opposite boys?

“One of the pieces of advice they gave me, when I was young, was always to steal the profession with my eyes. Well, while keeping in mind that each of us has his own characteristics, his own uniqueness, I think that from Sinner – as well as from Paolini – we can learn from their daily body language: dedication, behavior, sacrifice, training. That’s the way.”