Italy has secured another major tennis event amid its rise to become a major player in both the men’s and women’s games, with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) awarding a three-year contract for the Davis Cup Final 8.
The deal agreed with the Italian Tennis Federation (FITP) will run from 2025 to 2027, with next year’s initial finale of the men’s national team showpiece set to take place in Bologna.
The last three editions of the six-day finale have been successfully hosted by the Region of Andalusia in the City of Malaga, Spain, drawing 65,000 spectators this year – 43% of whom are said to have travelled from overseas to support their team.
This year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals also took place in Malaga, relocating from nearby Seville. The two events ran alongside each other at Malaga’s Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena, an indoor facility with a capacity of 11,300.
Led by Jannik Sinner, Italy has won the past two editions of the Davis Cup, while a team led by Jasmine Paolini emerged triumphant at this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Italy will also continue to stage the ATP Finals until at least 2030 after a new five-year hosting deal was agreed last month, although it is unclear which city will be used. The finale of the men’s tennis season has taken place in Turin since 2021, when the Pala Alpitour arena replaced The O2 in London, which had hosted the event since 2009.
David Haggerty, ITF president, said: “We are delighted to partner with the FITP for the Davis Cup Final 8. Italy has a rich history in tennis and a proven ability to host world-class sporting events.
“We would like to thank Malaga and Andalusia, as well as Tennium and ITF member nation the Real Federación Española de Tenis (RFET) for being such great partners in helping us to elevate the event to new heights these past three years.
“We are confident that over the next three years working with the FITP we can take the Davis Cup even higher, providing an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.”
Angelo Binaghi, president of the FITP, added: “Italy first competed in the Davis Cup nearly 100 years ago and is proud to have lifted the iconic Davis Cup trophy three times as world champions. The FITP will build on Italy’s heritage in this competition, working closely with the ITF to deliver a spectacular event for the fans, as well as build an even greater future for tennis’ great global team asset.”
