The Pietrangeli Court, located in the Foro Italico in Rome, has witnessed countless historic moments in the world of tennis. However, in the current edition of the Rome Masters 1000, its transformation has generated controversy among fans and sports experts.
The installation of new grandstands has hidden some of the original sculptures that adorn the stadium, sparking a debate about the preservation of architectural heritage versus the need for modernization.
A tennis legend
Inaugurated in 1934 under the name “Stadio della Pallacorda”, the stadium was designed by Constantino Costantini as part of the master plan for the Foro Italico, conceived by Benito Mussolini to commemorate the greatness of the Roman Empire. The stadium was renamed in 2006 in honor of Nicola Pietrangeli, one of the most outstanding figures in Italian tennis. Its architecture is notable for the 18 Carrara marble statues representing Olympic athletes, creating a unique environment that blends sport and art. In addition, an underground gallery connects the stadium with other facilities in the complex, adding a touch of sophistication to the structure.
Over the years, the Foro Italico has experienced a significant increase in attendance, especially with the growing popularity of tennis in Italy. The president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP), Angelo Binaghi, acknowledged years ago that the venue had become too small to accommodate the crowd of fans, especially during matches featuring figures such as Jannik Sinner. Binaghi stressed that without expansion, it would have been necessary to close access on certain days due to overcrowding. To address this situation, it was proposed to install stands.
The controversy over the concealment of the sculptures
The installation of these new stands has raised concerns among architectural heritage advocates. The marble statues that adorn the stadium, symbols of Olympic greatness and Italy’s artistic legacy, have been partially obscured by the temporary structures.
This has led several members around the circuit to show their disagreement with this decision. “I had to come and see for myself the new look of the Pietrangeli track, with temporary stands. The look is absolutely horrible,” said Britain’s Tumaini Carayol, The Guardian’s tennis correspondent. “What a mistake, visually speaking, what they did at the Foro Italico in Rome with the Nicola Pietrangeli court, which was one of the most picturesque on the tour. They covered the statues to place new stands (more tickets),” wrote Argentina’s Sebastian Torok, tennis specialist for La Nacion.
But it is not only the professionals, but also the followers of the circuit have shown their opposition to this decision. Several fans have expressed their opinions on X: “The new Pietrangeli is more spacious, but less fascinating”, “What have you done to the most beautiful court of all?”, “Terrible, let’s hope the organisers reconsider it for the next few years. Pietrangeli is one of the most beautiful courts in the world and does not need changes”.
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