CAGLIARI/STARNBERG, March 17, 2026
History, tradition, a new look, and an endless passion for tennis – Cagliari renews its special bond with international tennis as the Sardegna Open returns after a one-year break for its third edition as an ATP Challenger 175 event.
From Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, the red clay courts of the Tennis Club Cagliari will once again host one of the most anticipated tournaments on the professional men’s calendar. The event was officially presented in the presence of Angelo Binaghi, President of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, Cagliari mayor Massimo Zedda, regional tourism councillor Franco Cuccureddu, regional councillor Ilaria Portas, city sports councillor Giuseppe Macciotta, and tournament director Martin Vassallo Argüello.
Top players, rising international talents, and numerous Italian competitors will compete for valuable ranking points and fine-tune their form ahead of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, scheduled the following week at the Foro Italico in Rome. After being held as an ATP 250 event in 2020 and 2021, Cagliari has been part of the premium ATP Challenger 175 category since 2023, following the restructuring of the ATP Challenger Tour.
“The Sardegna Open returns with a completely renewed and more welcoming center court,” said Binaghi. “Its position between Madrid and Rome represents a great opportunity for players. At this stage of the season, the best players compete on European clay, and in past editions we have already seen names like Lorenzo Musetti, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton, who later became key figures on the world stage. Hosting such an event highlights the island’s strong sporting and appeal.”
A historic venue with a modern touch
The Tennis Club Cagliari, one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs, will once again provide the stage for the tournament. Founded in 1954 and located since 1965 in the green oasis of Monte Urpinu, the venue features 13 tennis courts and three padel courts.
Over more than 70 years, it has hosted major international events, including six Davis Cup ties – most notably Italy’s 1990 victory over Sweden, highlighted by Paolo Canè defeating Mats Wilander – as well as the 2013 Billie Jean King Cup final, won by Italy’s team featuring Roberta Vinci, Flavia Pennetta, Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani, and Karin Knapp against Russia.
In line with its forward-looking vision, the club has recently undergone significant upgrades and will unveil a newly renovated center court during the tournament, designed to improve the experience for both spectators and television audiences.
Looking back at the last edition
At the most recent edition of the Sardegna Open in 2024, Mariano Navone claimed the title by defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the final. Despite strong home support for the Italian, Navone secured victory in one hour and 47 minutes with a score of 7–5, 6–1.
