The Next Gen ATP Finals are making a triumphant return to Italy after a three-year stint in Saudi Arabia, with Reggio Calabria set to host the prestigious event in 2026.
The Next Gen ATP Finals are set to return to Italy in 2026, with the southern coastal city of Reggio Calabria chosen as the host venue. This marks a significant moment for Italian tennis, as the country now hosts both the ATP Finals and the Next Gen ATP Finals, solidifying its position as a key player in the global tennis calendar.
The tournament, which showcases the top eight players aged 20 and under, will take place at the PalaCalafiore arena from December 9 to 13, 2026. With a prize pool of $2 million the event promises to be a highlight of the tennis season, attracting some of the most promising young talents in the sport.
The Journey Back to Italy
The Next Gen ATP Finals first began in Milan in 2017, where it was held for five editions before moving to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as part of a deal that was supposed to run until 2027.
However, the agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation was terminated early, leading the ATP to launch a global bid process to find a new host city.
The decision to bring the tournament back to Italy was announced on Wednesday, with Reggio Calabria emerging as the winning bid. This move is part of a broader strategy to make tennis a driving force for development across the country, according to Angelo Binaghi president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation.
A Boost for Italian Tennis
Italy’s growing influence in the tennis world is evident not only with the Next Gen ATP Finals but also with the ATP Finals set to take place in Turin in November and the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna. Binaghi emphasized the importance of investing in the future of the sport, stating that the Next Gen ATP Finals is where the champions of tomorrow are born.
The choice of Reggio Calabria as the host city is particularly significant, as it brings a major international tennis event to the southern region. The PalaCalafiore arena with its capacity of 8,000 seats, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art indoor tennis venue for the event. This presents a unique opportunity for the local community to engage with the sport and witness the rise of the next generation of tennis stars.
Notable Winners and Future Prospects
The Next Gen ATP Finals has a rich history of producing future champions. Past winners include Italy’s Jannik Sinner in 2019 and Carlos Alcaraz in 2021, both of whom have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the sport. The 2025 edition was won by Learner Tien in Jeddah, highlighting the tournament’s role as a springboard for young talent.
As the 2026 edition approaches, all eyes will be on the emerging stars who will compete in Reggio Calabria. Among the potential candidates is Federico Cinà an Italian player who is currently in the running to secure a spot in the tournament. His participation would add an extra layer of excitement for Italian fans and demonstrate the depth of talent within the country.
The official announcement of Reggio Calabria as the host city was made during an event in New York attended by key figures from the tennis world, including Binaghi, Andre Silva Chief Tour Officer of the ATP, and Roberto Occhiuto president of the Regione Calabria. This collaboration between international tennis authorities and local institutions underscores the global significance of the event and its potential to inspire the next generation of players.
