Next Gen: Tyra Grant
Next Generation: Tyra Grant Follows Sinner’s Path in Italy
17-year-old Tyra Grant—one of America’s most promising young players—has officially chosen to represent Italy.
Where Her Tennis Journey Began
Grant was born in Rome to an American father and an Italian mother, and raised in Vigevano, near Milan. She developed her game at the Piatti Tennis Center, the same elite academy that helped shape world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
In 2023, Grant moved to Florida to train at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. Since then, she’s captured three junior Grand Slam doubles titles and reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 356.
Switching Allegiances
The WTA confirmed that Grant’s change of national representation will take effect at the 2025 Italian Open, where she’s been granted a wild card into the main draw. Just last week, she competed under the U.S. flag in Madrid. In Rome, her name will be listed with the Italian tricolore.
This move follows a trend seen in athletes like Naomi Osaka and Eileen Gu—opting to represent countries with fewer top-tier competitors and more room to shine. Italy currently has only three women ranked in the WTA top 100, compared to 18 from the U.S.
Choosing Her Path
Grant’s decision reflects both opportunity and personal connection. Fluent in Italian and rooted in her heritage, she’s spoken about how meaningful it was to train alongside other Black players at the USTA campus in Orlando—an experience that brought a new sense of community to her tennis journey.
What’s Next?
With her new national representation confirmed and a wild card entry into the Italian Open, Grant is preparing for her next steps on familiar ground. Her journey reflects the increasingly global nature of tennis and the personal choices that shape a player’s path.
