As the clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico buzz with the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, a conversation beyond the baseline is stealing the spotlight. World No. 3 Coco Gauff, fresh off a commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory over Magda Linette to reach the Italian Open’s round of 16, has thrown her full support behind Carlos Alcaraz’s bold call for a merger between the ATP and WTA tours. The American star’s endorsement, voiced in a press conference, underscores a growing sentiment among players that uniting the men’s and women’s circuits could elevate tennis to new heights, addressing disparities and enhancing the sport’s global appeal.
Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation, sparked the discussion after his own Italian Open win, a 6-3, 6-3 rout of Dusan Lajovic. Reflecting on the sport’s future, he argued that a combined tour would streamline scheduling, boost marketing, and create a more cohesive fan experience. “I think it’s the best for tennis, to have one tour, ATP and WTA together,” Alcaraz said, emphasizing the potential for shared resources to amplify the sport’s reach. His comments come amid ongoing debates about unequal prize money, media coverage, and tournament structures, with women’s events often receiving less visibility despite the WTA’s star power.
Gauff, a 21-year-old trailblazer with 10 WTA singles titles, including the 2023 US Open, didn’t hesitate to align herself with Alcaraz’s vision. “I completely agree with what Carlos said,” she declared, her conviction clear. “The ATP and WTA coming together would be a game-changer for tennis.” Gauff pointed to the Italian Open itself as a model, where men’s and women’s matches share the same stage, drawing diverse crowds and showcasing the sport’s depth. “Look at Rome—fans get to see me, Carlos, Jannik [Sinner], Aryna [Sabalenka] all in one place,” she noted. “That’s what makes tennis exciting, and a merger could make that the norm.” Her remarks highlight the success of joint events like the Italian Open, where Gauff’s 13 career wins before age 22 rank second only to Iga Swiatek among active players.
The idea of a merger isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction as players like Gauff and Alcaraz, who represent the sport’s vibrant next generation, lend their voices. Gauff, who has reached the Rome semifinals twice (2021 and 2024), sees unification as a way to address practical challenges. “Scheduling is tough when you’re bouncing between ATP and WTA events,” she said. “A single tour could make it easier for players and fans to follow.” She also highlighted the potential for equitable prize money, a persistent issue. In 2025, the Italian Open offers equal purses, but many tournaments still lag, with WTA events often trailing ATP counterparts. “It’s about fairness and growing the game,” Gauff added, echoing Alcaraz’s sentiment that a merger could “put tennis on another level.”
The context of their comments adds urgency. Tennis is at a crossroads, with young stars like Gauff, Alcaraz, and Sinner driving unprecedented viewership—Alcaraz’s 2023 Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic drew 15 million UK viewers, while Gauff’s 2023 US Open final outrated the men’s by over a million. Yet, fragmentation between the tours risks diluting this momentum. A merged tour could centralize broadcasting rights, as seen in mixed events like the United Cup, and attract bigger sponsors. “Fans want to see the best of both worlds,” Alcaraz said, envisioning a future where rivalries across genders are showcased seamlessly.
Gauff’s advocacy extends beyond words. Her decision to play doubles with Alexandra Eala in Rome, sparked by a spontaneous Instagram DM, reflects her commitment to elevating the sport’s profile. “I love doubles because it’s fun and connects players,” she said, suggesting a merged tour could spotlight such formats. As she prepares to face Emma Raducanu in the next round, Gauff’s focus remains sharp, but her broader vision for tennis resonates. With Alcaraz leading the charge and Gauff amplifying the call, the dream of a unified ATP-WTA tour feels closer than ever, promising a brighter, fairer future for the sport they love.
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