For a few weeks every summer, the tennis court in Murazzano changes pace. Hundreds of people do not arrive, and perhaps that is precisely what gives it its character. Players wait for their turn on the terrace, someone stops for a coffee, and others watch a match before going home. As the days pass, people recognise one another, exchange greetings and the same faces return evening after evening.
The red clay is prepared with the same care as always. Before the tournament begins, Walter goes over the court once more, straightens the lines, checks every detail and leaves everything ready for the first rally. It is a gesture repeated every year that almost no one notices, yet without it the tournament would never begin.
“Playing in Murazzano is something special. The climate, the people and everything around the court make this a wonderful place.”
— Riccardo Chiappori
Signing up
First, a stop at the Gianduja
The tournament does not really begin on the court, but at Bar Gianduja. Anyone who wants to take part walks in, signs up with Paolo and often stays for a few more minutes to talk. Paolo knows the players, coordinates the matches and each day tries to find the right time for everyone. It is not always easy: one match lasts longer than expected, someone arrives late, another person has to postpone. That, too, is part of the tournament's rhythm.
“My favourite moment is the one just before the rally begins. That is when I feel the adrenaline rise.”
— Riccardo Chiappori
A reason to come back
This summer I stopped several times to watch the matches. I was not looking for a winner. I simply realised that it had been too long since I last held a racket. Perhaps it was this small tournament that made me want to start again. I have not played yet, but whenever I pass the court I think that moment may not be so far away after all.
When the village climbs towards the tower
On the last weekend of July, Murazzano changes again. While the RoLanga Ross matches continue on the court, the village celebrates Murazzano Medievale. People make their way towards the tower among costumes, music and market stalls, and as they pass the court many stop for a few minutes to watch a rally. For one weekend, tennis becomes part of the movement of the village, accompanying the voices and festivities that fill its streets.
“The handshake marks the end of the sporting rivalry, a way of thanking your opponent for having sweated on the court with you.”
— Mattia Caprara
More than a tournament
A few years from now, it will be difficult to remember who won this edition. What may remain is the red clay on summer evenings, the chairs on the terrace, the conversations outside Bar Gianduja and Walter preparing the court once again. Perhaps that is how a place stays in our memory.
Roll of honour
The names that remain
A place to remember, year by year, who won the Torneo RoLanga Ross.
2026To be decided
Images
A day on red clay
When the final point has been played, only footprints remain on the red clay. In the evening Walter or Paolo brushes them away with the drag net. The following summer, new ones will appear.
Place
Contacts and place
The court is in Parco della Torre. For information about the tournament, contact the organisers directly.
