Organisers of the Palermo Ladies Open have unveiled ambitious plans to introduce an ATP Tour event in Sicily, with the men's tournament scheduled to debut in 2029 following a major infrastructure upgrade at the Country Time Club.
Tournament director Oliviero Palma and club president Giorgio Cammarata announced the proposal during the closing press conference of this year's WTA 125 event, which was won by Britain's Francesca Jones. The 37th edition of the Palermo Ladies Open, staged on the red clay of the Country Time Club, continues to build on a proud Italian tennis tradition.
The centrepiece of the plan is a comprehensive renovation of the club's facilities, due for completion in 2028. The redevelopment will deliver new courts and modernised infrastructure, creating the conditions to host a second professional tournament on consecutive weeks.
"With the completion of the new sports area, expected in 2028, we are evaluating the possibility of organising a men's tournament as well, to be held in the week before or after the Palermo Ladies Open," Cammarata and Palma explained.
Unlike the clay-court surface used for the WTA event, the proposed ATP tournament would be played on hard courts, offering a contrasting spectacle for fans across a fortnight of tennis. The organisers envisage both tournaments taking place in October, giving Palermo a sustained annual window of elite tennis.
The plan signals a significant vote of confidence in Sicily's capacity to host international tennis, building on the momentum generated by the Palermo Ladies Open, which has grown steadily in stature since its revival.
The proposal remains in the feasibility stage, pending final approval from ATP authorities, but represents a clear statement of intent from a club determined to establish Palermo as a permanent fixture on both the WTA and ATP calendars.
Sources
- https://www.tennisitaliano.it/palermo-ipotesi-torneo-atp-sul-cemento-a-partire-dal-2029/
