Tyra Grant chooses Italy: new tennis star makes blue debut at Internazionali

At only 17 years old, Tyra Caterina Grant has already made a lot of noise. Born in Rome to a U.S. father, former basketball player Tyrone Grant, and an Italian mother, the young tennis player has decided to officially represent Italy, the nation where she grew up and was formed, sportingly and humanely. The first concrete sign came in the days leading up to the Internazionali d’Italia: the tricolor flag appeared next to her name on the doubles pre-qualifying scoreboard. No official statement yet, but the WTA has already approved the change of nationality for the Roman competition.

Grew up in Vigevano, Grant moved to Bordighera to train at the prestigious Piatti Academy, the same one that forged world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, with whom she shares a long friendship. “We grew up together,” she recounted recently. Although his idol is Novak Djokovic, his path echoes that of the South Tyrolean champion: precocious talent, winning mentality and stated ambitions. “I hope to become number one in the world and win many Slams,” he said without fear.

In the United States, his decision has made more than a few noses twitch. The Athletic commented on the change in representation as a move also related to visibility and economic opportunities, pointing out the difference between American and Italian competition. But Tyra doesn’t listen to such rumors; she has always felt Italian, fluent in the language and a Juventus fan, and has already won three junior Slams in doubles, including Wimbledon in 2024.

With Jasmine Paolini the only Italian in the WTA top 50, Grant’s arrival in the Azzurri team represents a breath of fresh air. Women’s tennis Italy may have found its new flag. And the debut in Rome will be the first real step toward a future that promises sparks.