OLBIA/STARNBERG, October 17, 2026

Just minutes before the singles semi-finals got underway at the Olbia Challenger, the Tennis Club Terranova welcomed a special guest: Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP). The head of Italian tennis toured the newly developed facilities of the tournament, organised by MEF Tennis Events in partnership with the Sardinian club, and greeted the remaining players in the draw. Among them were former world No. 67 Luca Nardi and his coach Renzo Furlan, with whom Binaghi exchanged a few words.

Binaghi visits Tennis Club Terranova

With the Nitto ATP Finals and Davis Cup Finals approaching, Italian tennis has plenty to look forward to. The remaining tournaments before the season-ending event in Turin will be particularly important for Flavio Cobolli, currently fifth in the ATP Race and therefore close to qualifying for the prestigious tournament for the first time in his career.

“Cobolli in Turin? He is picking up an important baton, although I believe what Jannik Sinner has achieved is a story of its own,” Binaghi said. “Flavio has enjoyed an extraordinary season, highlighted by his final at Roland Garros, which perhaps could have turned out differently. If he qualifies, he would become the fourth Italian player to compete at the ATP Finals during the six years the tournament has been held in our country.

“When we secured the opportunity to host the Nitto ATP Finals, we hoped to have at least one Italian player participating. We have already had three – Matteo Berrettini, Sinner himself and Lorenzo Musetti – as well as Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in doubles. I think that is a good reflection of where we stand today. It means we have achieved even more than we initially hoped for.”

Despite Italy’s impressive overall progress, several leading players have struggled with injuries during the second half of the season. Sinner’s left knee problem and the muscular issues that affected Musetti have been among the setbacks in 2026.

“Unfortunately, the second half of the year has been troubled by injuries. Sinner, Paolini, Cocciaretto and Musetti have all been plagued by physical problems. After the Nitto ATP Finals and the Davis Cup, the season will come to an end and there will be time to recover. We hope everyone can enjoy better health next year. We have always had quite a few Italian players, but the most significant aspect nowadays is that they are playing better than before and the overall standard has increased,” Binaghi explained.

Italy targeting historic fourth consecutive Davis Cup title

Another major objective for Italian tennis is the Davis Cup Finals, where captain Filippo Volandri’s team will attempt to defend the title won in each of the last three editions.

“I know Alcaraz said he would love to win the World Cup, but who wouldn’t? At the moment, we have quite a few players dealing with physical problems, but our squad is so deep that there are still plenty of options. I think Filippo will select the players who are in the best shape, taking into account the remaining tournaments before Bologna. Winning the Davis Cup for a fourth consecutive time would almost be excessive, but we will certainly try,” Binaghi said.

Italy is also preparing for another important international event, with Reggio Calabria set to host the Next Gen ATP Finals, featuring the world’s leading players aged under 21, alongside the established tournaments in Turin and Bologna.

Looking further ahead, Binaghi outlined the federation’s plans for the coming years.

“First of all, we need to organise this new ATP 250 grass-court tournament, which will take place in northern Italy starting in June 2028. Since it will be played on natural grass, the preparation time is not particularly long and we will need to start working on it soon. At the same time, we must consolidate all the other events we already have, without forgetting to bid for the organisation of major tournaments for disabled athletes, which is perhaps the competition currently missing from our calendar.

“Of course, our objective is always to develop our assets, starting with the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.”

Binaghi praises development of Tennis Club Terranova

Following his visit, Binaghi also praised the significant improvements and expansion of the facilities at Tennis Club Terranova, which is hosting the ATP Challenger 125 tournament until Sunday, October 18.

“I have seen progress and substantial changes at the club, which I believe is now the largest in northern Sardinia in terms of the number of courts. This goes hand in hand with the progress the Terranova organisation is making in several areas, including the promotion of the Challenger, which completes its range of activities.

“It is therefore right that the facility is expanding. It is also positive that people are starting to talk about a multi-purpose sports club, capable of hosting not only tennis on two different surfaces but soon also padel, and hopefully pickleball in the future,” the FITP president concluded.