Tennis: Another Way to Discover the Island

With a mild climate that makes outdoor tennis possible for much of the year, and the remarkable momentum of Italian tennis in recent years, Sardinia regularly hosts international tournaments, attracting professional players, rising talents and tennis enthusiasts from around the world.

Forte Village: Where Future Champions Make Their Mark

Located in Santa Margherita di Pula, on Sardinia’s southern coast, the prestigious Forte Village hosts numerous men’s and women’s tournaments on the professional ITF World Tennis Tour each year.

Held mainly in spring and autumn, these events offer a rare opportunity to watch high-level tennis in a more intimate setting than the major international tournaments.

They also provide a chance to discover tomorrow’s champions, sometimes long before they become household names.

Over the years, the clay courts of Forte Village have welcomed an impressive number of players who would go on to reach the very top of the sport.

Jannik Sinner, who would later become world No. 1 and a multiple Grand Slam champion, won a title here in March 2019, when he was just 17 years old. The Italian star appears to have retained a special affection for Sardinia: according to Italian media reports, he acquired a property in Porto Rafael, in the Gallura region of northeastern Sardinia, in 2026.

And Sinner is far from the only player to have competed on these courts early in his career.

Norway’s Casper Ruud, a former world No. 2 and three-time Grand Slam finalist, and Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, winner of the 2019 ATP Finals, have also played here. Among the Italian players who have competed at Forte Village are Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Musetti, Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi and Flavio Cobolli.

The women’s circuit has an equally impressive history. Jasmine Paolini, a finalist at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in 2024, played some of her early professional tournaments here. Czech star Barbora Krejčíková, who would go on to win both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, also competed at Forte Village, as did Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, along with Paula Badosa, Maria Sakkari and Jelena Ostapenko.

Such an impressive list of names makes Forte Village much more than a tournament venue. It has become an important stop on the journey to the highest levels of professional tennis — a place where today’s spectators may be watching tomorrow’s champions.

Cagliari and the Sardegna Open: World-Class Tennis by the Mediterranean

Sardinia’s capital also holds an important place on the professional tennis calendar.

Having previously hosted ATP 250 events, Cagliari is now home to the Sardegna Open, an ATP Challenger 175 tournament that brings together established professionals and promising young players.

In May 2026, Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi claimed the title with a 6–4, 6–4 victory over Hubert Hurkacz, the former world No. 6 and Miami Open Masters 1000 champion. It was the first victory by an Italian player in the tournament’s history.

Held in spring, the tournament offers a wonderful opportunity to combine a few days of professional tennis with exploring Cagliari’s historic neighbourhoods, excellent restaurants and beautiful coastline.

Alghero: A Long-Standing Tradition of International Tennis

On Sardinia’s northwestern coast, Alghero has established itself as an important destination for international wheelchair tennis.

For more than a quarter of a century, the city has hosted the Sardinia Open International Wheelchair Tennis, an ITF 1 tournament that attracts some of the world’s leading players. In September 2026, the event celebrated its 26th edition.

Over the years, the courts of Tennis Club Alghero have welcomed outstanding athletes, including the Netherlands’ Diede de Groot, a multiple Grand Slam champion and Paralympic gold medallist; France’s Stéphane Houdet, a seven-time winner in Alghero; and Dutch star Niels Vink, one of the world’s leading players in the Quad division.

Alghero’s international reputation extends beyond this annual tournament. In 2017, the city hosted the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, wheelchair tennis’s equivalent of the Davis Cup. In May 2026, it once again welcomed international teams for the European qualifying competition, bringing together 28 teams representing 17 nations.

These events reflect years of dedication and commitment that have made Alghero a well-established destination on the international wheelchair tennis calendar.

Sardinia on the International Team Tennis Stage

Sardinia has also been chosen on several occasions to host prestigious international team competitions.

In 2011, Arzachena hosted a Davis Cup tie between Italy and Slovenia. Italy’s victory proved decisive, securing the country’s return to the World Group.

More recently, in 2022, Alghero welcomed a Billie Jean King Cup tie between Italy and France, with another victory for the Squadra Azzurra.

Together, these events highlight the increasingly important role Sardinia plays in international tennis.

Playing Tennis in Sardinia: A Lifestyle of Its Own

Of course, Sardinia is not simply a place to watch professional tennis.

With its tennis clubs, sports facilities and hotels offering tennis courts, the island also provides plenty of opportunities for recreational players of all levels.

The climate makes outdoor tennis possible for much of the year, particularly in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and the island settles into a quieter, more relaxed rhythm.

For those considering making Sardinia their permanent home or spending part of the year here, the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport throughout the seasons is a genuine advantage. Beyond the beaches and spectacular scenery, it is this everyday quality of life that makes Sardinia so appealing: playing tennis on a sunny November morning, joining a local club, meeting fellow enthusiasts or giving children the opportunity to continue developing their sporting interests in an exceptional environment.

Another way to experience Sardinia, far beyond the summer season.

And for tennis lovers, why not plan a visit around a professional tournament? Spend a few days courtside, then take the time to explore the island at your own pace.