Top five youngest men's singles champions at Italian Open

At 17, Bjorn Borg holds the record for being the youngest Italian Open winner.

The Italian Open, officially known as the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, is one of the most prestigious clay-court tournaments in the world. Held annually at Rome’s historic Foro Italico, the tournament has been a proving ground for tennis legends since its inception in 1930.

The tournament is the third clay Masters 1000 event, and takes place a week before the French Open. It is highly regarded as the fifth Grand Slam and holds particular importance due to its proximity to Roland Garros. Players are given one final chance to fine-tune their game ahead of the major event.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five youngest men’s singles champions at the Italian Open.

5. Novak Djokovic – 20 years, 11 months (2008)

Novak Djokovic claimed his first Italian Open title in 2008, just shy of his 21st birthday, by defeating Stan Wawrinka in the final. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable relationship with the Rome Masters, which Djokovic has won six times (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022).

The second-highest title holder at the Foro Italica, the Serbian has also played the most matches at the venue. As of 2025, Djokovic holds a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles and has spent more weeks at world No. 1 than any other player. His search for a career #100 continues, having last won a title back in 2023 at the US Open.

4. Mats Wilander – 19 years, 3 months (1983)

Mats Wilander captured his first Italian Open crown in 1983 at the age of 19 years and 3 months, defeating Jimmy Arias in the final. Wilander’s early success in Rome was part of a remarkable teenage career that included a French Open title at just 17.

He would go on to win the Italian Open twice (1983, 1987), and his career highlights include seven Grand Slam singles titles, three of which came at the French Open.

3. Andres Gomez – 19 years, 1 month (1981)

Andres Gomez became the youngest South American champion in Rome when he lifted the Italian Open trophy in 1981 at just 19 years and 1 month old. The Ecuadorian’s first and only Italian Open title came after a strong run that culminated in victory over American Eliot Teltscher in the final.

Known for his left-handed play and deft touch on clay, Gomez would go on to win the French Open in 1990, becoming Ecuador’s first and only Grand Slam singles champion.

2. Rafael Nadal – 18 years, 11 months (2005)

Rafael Nadal announced his arrival as the new “King of Clay” at the Italian Open in 2005, when he captured his first Rome title just before turning 19. In a dramatic five-set final, Nadal overcame Guillermo Coria, winning 6–4, 3–6, 6–3, 4–6, 7–6(8–6) in one of the tournament’s most memorable matches.

This victory was the first of an unprecedented ten Italian Open titles for the Spaniard, a record that stands unmatched in the Open Era. Besides Rome, Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles – including a record 14 at Roland Garros – and is widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player in history.

1. Bjorn Borg – 17 years old (1974)

Björn Borg made history at the Italian Open in 1974, becoming the youngest men’s singles champion at just 17 years old. Borg’s breakthrough came when he defeated defending champion and top seed Ilie Năstase in the final, showcasing his remarkable composure and revolutionary topspin-heavy game.

This victory in Rome was the first major clay-court title of his career and immediately established him as a force on the surface.

The Swedish icon would go on to win the Italian Open once more, in 1978. Over his career, Borg collected 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including six French Opens and five Wimbledons, and was renowned for his baseline mastery and mental strength.

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