Italy may not necessarily be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about tennis, but over the years, the country has produced some incredible players and the country consistently produces solid players who compete on both the ATP and WTA tours.
From Davis Cup victories to Grand Slam titles, these Italian professional tennis players have made their mark on tennis history. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best Italian tennis players, past and present, who have left their mark on the sport.
Nicola Pietrangeli
Nicola Pietrangeli, often hailed as one of the greatest Italian tennis players in history, was born in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1933. This remarkable player made a substantial contribution to the world of tennis, both on and off the court. Pietrangeli’s competitive career was studded with impressive victories, including two French Open titles (1959 and 1960). His victory in 1959 is particularly noteworthy as he became the first Italian to win a Grand Slam singles title. He also led Italy to its first Davis Cup final in 1960. Apart from his singles exploits, Pietrangeli proved himself a capable doubles player, securing the French Open doubles title in 1959. His charisma and graceful playing style have forged an indelible legacy in the annals of tennis history.
Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini, an established Italian tennis titan, was born in Rome in 1996. Berrettini’s journey in the professional circuit began in 2015, and he has since made significant strides, to become a regular feature in the top ten. He clinched his first ATP title in 2018 at the Swiss Open, catapulting him into the spotlight. 2019 proved especially fruitful for the young Italian as he reached the semifinals of the US Open, becoming the first Italian to do so in the Open Era. His powerful serve, coupled with a formidable forehand, has become his trademark style, often leaving his opponents scrambling. 2021 marked another milestone for Berrettini, as he became the first Italian man in 61 years to reach a Wimbledon final. While he didn’t capture the title (losing to Novak Djokovic), his performance solidified his place among the tennis elite. Berrettini, with his aggressive playing style and gentle approach off the court, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis. Recent injuries have seen him off tour for a while. We wish him well as we want him back wowing crowds globally.
Francesca Schiavone
Francesca Schiavone, born in Milan in 1980, is a trailblazer in Italian tennis. Her journey in professional tennis started in 1998, and she quickly rose to prominence due to her unique and captivating playing style. Schiavone, known for her strong groundstrokes and inventive dropshots, became a significant figure in the sport globally.
She carved a niche in tennis history in 2010 when she became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles championship, capturing the prestigious French Open title in Roland Garros. This exhilarating victory also accelerated her to a career-high world ranking of No. 4. Beyond her singles accomplishments, she has shown great skill to transfer to doubles also, obtaining a top 10 ranking.
Schiavone also represented Italy in four Fed Cup-winning campaigns and two Olympic Games, underscoring her commitment to her country and the sport. An interesting fact about Schiavone is her signature one-handed backhand, a rarity in women’s tennis. She now runs a restaurant in Milan, serving up (Ed; apologies for the pun!) some great food.
Roberta Vinci
Roberta Vinci, born in Taranto in 1982, is another champion in Italian tennis who has made significant contributions to the sport. Vinci’s professional career began in 1999, and she quickly established herself with a distinctive style of play. Known for her exceptional net play and the use of slice, her skills have often been described as artistry on the court.
One of the crowning moments of Vinci’s career came in 2015 when she reached the US Open final, defeating Serena Williams in a historic semi-final match. This victory marked one of the biggest upsets in tennis history, as Williams was on the quest for a calendar-year Grand Slam.
Beyond the singles court, Vinci has had a noteworthy doubles career, reaching the world No. 1 ranking. Alongside Sara Errani, she became part of one of the most successful doubles teams in recent years.
Adding to her impressive resume, Vinci also represented Italy in three Olympic Games and was a vital part of four Fed Cup-winning teams. An interesting fact about Vinci is that she’s one of the few players to have won more titles in doubles than in singles. After retiring from professional tennis, Vinci has found success as a sports commentator, demonstrating her deep understanding and love for the game.
Adriano Panatta
Born in Rome in 1950, Adriano Panatta is a celebrated figure in the annals of Italian tennis. Panatta’s professional career was marked by a distinctive, aggressive style of play that resonated with fans and fellow players alike. He had a powerful serve and wicked volley, a combination that often left his opponents struggling to respond under the pressure.
The highlight of Panatta’s illustrious career was undoubtedly his victorious campaign at the 1976 French Open, making him the only Italian man to have won a Grand Slam singles title to date. This monumental achievement, coupled with his charismatic presence, cemented his status as an icon of the sport.
Following his retirement from professional tennis, Panatta has stayed closely connected to the game. He served as the captain of the Italian Davis Cup team from 1994 to 1998 and later became the Tournament Director of the Rome Masters. Additionally, Panatta has found success in the world of broadcasting.
Flavia Pennetta
Flavia Pennetta is another noteworthy Italian professional tennis player, born in Brindisi, Italy, in 1982. Pennetta was known for her strategic approach to the game, utilizing a powerful baseline game and effective down-the-line shots that left opponents scrambling.
Her career is adorned with significant accomplishments, including 11 WTA titles and reaching the semi-finals in the 2013 US Open. However, her crowning achievement came in 2015 when she emerged victorious in the US Open, becoming the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title.
Interestingly, following her US Open victory, Pennetta announced her retirement during the trophy ceremony, making her one of the rare players to retire right after a Grand Slam victory. She is married to none other than Mr Fabio Fognini.
Jannik Sinner
Introducing Jannik Sinner, one of the brightest lights in the sphere of Italian professional tennis. Born in 2001, the young prodigy has already made an indelible mark on the sport with his aggressive baseline game, exceptional athleticism, and mental fortitude. Sinner’s playing style is hard and fast. He hits his groundstrokes as hard as I have seen anyone, he has incredible court movement which has earned him a ranking of 4 in the world (October 2023).
In his relatively short career, Sinner has already achieved remarkable feats that highlight his potential for greatness. Sinner has won nine ATP Tour titles in singles, including a Masters 1000 title at the 2023 Canadian Open, and one in doubles. He is yet to secure a Grand Slam title but it has to be a matter of time. I love watching this guy play. Watch this space for the next 10 years!
Andreas Seppi
Andreas Seppi, another noteworthy Italian tennis player, has been a consistent presence on the ATP tour since turning pro in 2002. Born in 1984 in South Tyrol, a German-speaking region of Italy, Seppi’s career has been characterized by tenacity and resilience. He has clinched three ATP titles in his career, with his highest singles ranking being world number 18, achieved in January 2013.
Seppi is known for his all-court game, solid baseline play, and effective serve. His ability to adapt to different surfaces has led to his success on all types of courts. The Italian veteran has a penchant for five-set thrillers in a Grand Slam event and has made it to the fourth round of all four majors, illustrating his versatility and endurance.
Despite not boasting a Grand Slam title, Seppi’s consistency and longevity in the sport have won him respect and admiration among his peers and fans. His battles with top-ranked players have often resulted in nail-biting matches. Now retired, he’ll be remembered as a tenacious player capable of beating anyone on his day.
Fabio Fogini
Fabio Fognini is a prominent figure in Italian tennis, known for his exceptional performance on clay courts and unpredictable style of play and behavior. His most noteworthy achievement came in 2019 when he lifted the Monte Carlo Masters trophy. Further, he has won nine ATP singles titles and has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. His career-high ATP rankings of world number nine was achieved in 2019. Fognini’s career is also embellished with notable victories over top-ranked players, on his day he could beat anyone, and his natural talent was there in abundance. A character on and off the court, you never know what you get with Fogini and that’s part of the joy of watching him.
Corrado Barazzutti
Corrado Barazzutti, another renowned name in the realm of Italian tennis, displayed a classic style of play marked by consistent baseline rallies and exceptional net play. Barazzutti’s career was highlighted by several notable achievements, including winning the Italian Open in 1978 and reaching the semifinals of the French Open and US Open in the same year.
His highest ATP singles ranking was world number 7, achieved in 1978. Barazzutti was also a stalwart in the Davis Cup, playing a key role in Italy’s victorious 1976 campaign. Currently, he continues to contribute to the sport, serving as the captain of Italy’s Fed Cup team since 2002. He has guided the team to four titles (2006, 2009, 2010, 2013), underlining his tactical astuteness and inspirational leadership.
Final Thoughts:
These are just 10 of the best tennis players in Italian history, but the list goes on. Italian players have made their mark on tennis history, from their success in Grand Slam tournaments to their representation in the world rankings. As the next generation of players such as Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner continue to shine, the future of Italian tennis looks bright.
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