AON OPEN, INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN GENOA

International tennis returns to Genoa with the AON Open Challenger. Nine players ranked among the world’s top 150 are already in the draw. The event confirms the city’s strong interest in sport and its commitment to continuing to attract international-level competitions.

Genoa is increasingly focusing on sport and major events. In recent years, this strategy has helped the city raise its profile, and it is once again reflected in the return of the AON Open Challenger – Giorgio Messina Memorial, scheduled to take place from 6 to 13 September on the clay courts of Valletta Cambiaso.

Now in its 22nd consecutive edition, the Genoa Challenger 125 once again features a high-level draw. Nine players currently ranked among the world’s top 150 have already been announced, led by Lorenzo Sonego, who previously won the tournament in Genoa in 2018 and 2019. Other leading players include Cristian Garin, Hugo Dellien and Pedro Martinez, as well as several Italians, including Andrea Pellegrino, Marco Cecchinato, Francesco Passaro and Stefano Napolitano.

But Genoa may still have another surprise in store. Three wild cards remain available, and the organisers are hoping to bring a major name to the city following the US Open. This ambition reflects the determination to further raise the level of an event that has become firmly established on the international tennis calendar.

Tennis also has a special connection with the whole of Liguria. Jannik Sinner has an important link with the region: a crucial stage in his development as a tennis player took place in Bordighera, where he moved at a very young age to train with Riccardo Piatti and his team.

The AON Open has become a regular fixture on Genoa’s sporting calendar every September. Twenty-two consecutive editions tell the story of a tournament that has consistently maintained a strong international profile and brought prominent players to Genoa. This well-established experience confirms that the city has the facilities, expertise and organisational capabilities required to host sporting events of this calibre.

Edited by Rebeca Burgos