17th November 2024. The Nitto ATP Finals are over and Jannik Sinner has become the first Italian champion in the history of this men’s tennis tournament. To be thorough, ATP stands for Association of Tennis Professionals, whereas Nitto is a Japanese company, title sponsor of the tournament.
Starting on the 10th of November, the city of Turin, which has hosted this important sports event since 2021, celebrated 8 great days of tennis.
The Nitto ATP Finals began almost as a whisper, due to the aftermath of COVID, building to a crescendo over the last two years, due mainly to Sinner’s excellent performances.
Most of the shops downtown have participated with creative decorations in their windows, using tennis rackets and balls.
Photo credit: Barbara Voarino Design
Some chocolate makers, such as Guido Gobino, have created special treats in tune with the city’s adrenalin and atmosphere during this time.
Many tennis lovers from all over came to Turin for the first time and discovered some of the attractions of the city in the free time between the matches. A fantastic opportunity for the “unsung” Turin to have such a high-profile and internationally renowned event at least until 2025.
In Italy until 2030
During one of my tours in the city center, I met Heribert Mayr, Sinner’s first tennis coach.
The 8 highest-ranking single players played at the INALPI stadium (indoor hard court). This venue was originally built for the ice hockey matches during the Winter Olympics in 2006. With 12.000 seats it is at present Italy’s largest indoor sporting arena.
Currently under construction for the Winter Olympics 2026, the Santa Giulia arena in Milano with 16.000 seats will host the Nitto ATP Finals until 2030, to the delight of the Jannik Sinner’s fans.
*Photo credit title picture: Francesco Tamburello