When I was growing up, tennis wasn’t the big deal it is in Italy today. Football has always reigned supreme here, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. But now, tennis is catching up quickly.
After I reached the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon, I noticed a big change. However, nothing compared to the excitement after winning a gold medal in doubles at the Olympics. When I returned to Italy after the Paris games, the reception was overwhelming. People were coming up to me in the streets, celebrating the gold medal. It was a different kind of recognition—more universal than just sport fans. I could tell that people from all walks of life were interested.
Funny enough, I haven’t needed a bodyguard just yet! Sometimes, older women are the friendliest. They come up to me with so much warmth and excitement; it makes my day. It’s a bit strange being in the spotlight, but I’m learning to enjoy it. It’s nice to feel appreciated.
Tennis is becoming popular in Italy, and I’m proud to be part of that change. We’re working hard to catch up with football’s popularity, but it’s tough. Recently, I saw a poll that showed 39% of Italians are now following tennis, while football still leads with 51%. With the football team struggling, many fans are turning their attention to tennis.
There are many reasons for the rise in tennis popularity. We have amazing players like Jannik Sinner, who has made a name for himself this past season. Plus, hosting events like the ATP Finals in Turin has brought more attention to the sport. Our national tennis federation has also been very supportive, organizing plenty of tournaments and giving young players a chance to shine.
Interestingly, the popularity of tennis spiked during the Covid pandemic, as it was one of the few sports people could still play. It feels great to see more kids joining tennis clubs—last year, participation jumped by 30%. When young girls come up to me and call me their idol, it touches my heart. I want to inspire them and give them reasons to celebrate as we move into 2025.
Exciting things are happening in tennis, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow. Every match, every tournament is a step forward for our sport in Italy.
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Italy,Jasmine Paolini,gold medal,Wimbledon finals,Olympic tennis,tennis fans
