The 33rd edition of the San Marino Open Tennis Internationals has wrapped up with rising numbers and widespread satisfaction. The ATP Challenger 125 event drew players, fans and industry professionals from across Europe to the Cassa di Risparmio Tennis Centre at Fonte dell’Ovo for a full week of competition. Sealing the tournament’s success was the victory of Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta, who brought the title back to Argentina after more than two decades — though the event’s overall balance sheet extends well beyond the sporting result.
According to the president of the San Marino Tennis Federation, Elia Santi, the tournament confirms a path of steady growth. The 2026 edition, he explains, marked a leap in quality across multiple fronts: from the technical level of participants and prize money to the number of partners involved, spectator turnout and media exposure. This achievement, he stressed, was built through close collaboration between the Federal Council, local institutions, sponsors and everyone who contributed to organizing the event.
Santi noted that the San Marino Internationals have become one of the most significant sporting events hosted by the Republic and an effective tool for promoting the country abroad. Positive feedback from players, umpires and international circuit officials, he said, confirms the high standard the tournament has reached — one capable of offering services that often exceed the requirements of a standard Challenger event, thanks to an organizational machine made up entirely of Sammarinese professionals.
Tournament director Nicola Lombardini, in his first year in the role, also expressed satisfaction with the edition. Public interest remained strong from the qualifying rounds onward, with well-attended stands and lively participation in the hospitality and entertainment areas. The achievement carries even greater weight considering that, for the first time since 1997, no Italian players reached the quarterfinals. Despite this, the tournament maintained excellent attendance and revenue figures, proving it has built an identity and appeal of its own.
Among the most notable results were those achieved in communications. The strategy developed together with new partners helped the San Marino Open Tennis Internationals surpass 1.5 million views on social media, reaching nearly 304,000 users, with community growth of 47.4% — achieved almost entirely through organic reach.
The 2026 edition was also marked by the introduction of new technological solutions, including electronic line calling and the use of artificial intelligence to support several organizational areas, from transport logistics and player welcome services to tournament administration. According to Lombardini, these innovations represent just the first step in a development process already underway ahead of the 2027 edition.
With a week of top-level tennis now behind it, the Federation is looking ahead, aiming to further consolidate an event that, year after year, continues to strengthen its international standing and promote the image of the Republic of San Marino well beyond national borders.
