The 2026‑27 season of the Little Tennis Champions programme has begun with an energy that was evident from the very first day. Following the kick‑off and training camp held in Turin from 6 to 10 July, the scholarship athletes embarked on the first stage of their Summer Tour, a journey designed to give them real, hands‑on experience within international tennis and to immerse them in environments that, one day, could become part of their professional lives.
After the opening week in Turin, scholarship athletes Maria Chiara Forgione, Nadja Knezevic, Alexia Enache, Eliza Deaconu, Arber Dano and Paolo Toscano, together with the Foundation’s technical staff, travelled to Palermo, where they spent a full week at the Country Time Club during the Palermo Ladies Open, the historic WTA 125 event played on clay. Hosted by the tournament director Oliviero Palma, the group had the opportunity to experience the event from the inside, absorbing every detail of a tournament that has long been a landmark on the international calendar.
It was a genuine immersion into professional tennis. The scholarship athletes alternated intensive training sessions with moments of observation, meetings with players on the circuit, access to backstage areas and the chance to witness first‑hand the routines of athletes competing in the tournament. Being so close to professionals of this level helps them understand what is required to progress: attention to detail, time management, concentration, physical and mental preparation, and the ability to adapt. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impression and allows the young players to imagine returning here one day as competitors.
The week was enriched by several special encounters. The scholarship athletes met Lucia Bronzetti, former world No. 46, world champion with Italy and honorary member of I Tennis Foundation, who shared valuable advice and insights from her life on the circuit. They also met rising Italian players Noemi Basiletti and Jennifer Ruggeri, who spoke about their journeys and the daily challenges faced by those building a career in international tennis.
It was an intense week, full of learning, training and personal growth. A complete immersion in professional tennis that helped the scholarship athletes better understand their own development and strengthen their motivation for the months ahead.
