Meet the unsung heroes of the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy

Behind every great tennis tournament is an invisible force that makes it all possible. In Italy, that force often goes by the name MEF Tennis Events - a close-knit, passionate team that has become a pillar of professional tennis in the country. From the idyllic courts of Perugia to the scenic shores of Tenerife, MEF has quietly, yet confidently, built a reputation for organizing some of the most seamless and beloved tournaments on the circuit.

From Passion to Profession

For MEF founders Marcello, Elena, and Federica, tennis has never just been a sport, it’s been a calling. “The first edition of Perugia, held in 2015, was the first ATP Challenger tournament that we organized under the name of MEF Tennis Events,” the team recalls. “We decided in 2014 to found MEF and turn our passion into a job.”

But their experience stretches back even further. Long before Perugia, they were already organizing the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Todi, which began in 2007. With over 50 professional tournaments to their name, MEF has since grown into one of Italy’s most important tennis organizations.

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A Family Business with a Professional Backbone

The name MEF stands for Marcello, Elena, and Federica, but they are quick to credit a larger team of seasoned professionals - many of whom have been with them for years. “None of our tournaments can be achieved without our collaborators,” they explain, mentioning Adrian, Valentina, and Elisabetta among their key contributors.

Each founder has a distinct role. Marcello handles sponsors, institutional relations, and tournament strategy. Elena, the creative force, leads marketing and media. Federica is the logistical mastermind, ensuring the complex operations of each event run like clockwork.

Organizing professional tournaments is a very complex job and requires numerous skills - from sponsor relations to problem-solving under pressure.

During the year there are five employees who work for the programming of the tournament. During tournament week, MEF becomes a 24/7 operation with over 30 people involved who manage and coordinate the tournament in various aspects. “Many mechanisms are now habitual, and all the staff knows exactly what to do and when,” they say. That consistency is part of MEF’s signature. Many of the team members travel from tournament to tournament, creating a well-oiled, trusted system.

A Packed and Prestigious Calendar

In 2025 alone, MEF has already hosted two editions of the Tenerife Challenger, the WTA 125 in Parma, and the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia. Upcoming events include the ATP Challenger in Todi in August and the Olbia Challenger in October. Alongside these, they provide organizational services to several ATP Challenger and ITF tournaments across Italy.

Their ability to run both ATP and WTA tournaments is a mark of their evolution. “WTA is very demanding from many points of view, especially in the medical, physiotherapy and food sectors,” they note. But those challenges haven’t deterred them. “From this year we see that ATP is starting to conform to WTA by integrating and requiring higher standards.”

Success Built on Details—and the Unexpected

What makes a tournament successful? For MEF, it comes down to two things: attention to detail and experience. “The know-how of our staff is a precious asset that allows the success of our tournaments,” they explain. “We know exactly what needs to be done and how to satisfy the needs of the various protagonists of the tournament.”

Still, no amount of planning can prevent the unexpected. “Even though we have organized over 50 tournaments, every year we are amazed at how new unexpected events and funny situations can continue to surprise us,” they admit with a smile. “When you think you have seen it all, something new happens.”

Tourism and Tennis: A Perfect Match

One of MEF’s most innovative strategies has been to merge sports and tourism marketing. “We believe that tennis, thanks to its internationality and the type of public that follows it, is a perfect channel to promote tourist destinations,” they say. In places like Tenerife, Todi, and Parma, tennis becomes more than a competition, it becomes a showcase of local culture andhistory.

But like many Challenger organizers, MEF acknowledges that finding sponsors remains a significant challenge. “All tournaments, including ours, struggle to find sponsors. We believe that this is the most difficult part, even now that tennis has become the most popular sport in Italy.”

Dream Venues, Realized

Asked about their dream tournament destination, the team doesn’t hesitate. “All the locations of our tournaments are already dream places,” they say. “The paradise of Tenerife, the charm of Parma, the ancient beauty of Todi and Perugia, the wonderful island of Sardinia and Olbia. We can’t dream of better destinations.”

Though Marcello once played competitively, and Elena and Federica picked up rackets in their youth, their greatest joy today is found off the court. “For a few years, our passion is not playing tennis,” they say, “but organizing tennis tournaments.”

A Lasting Legacy

In just over a decade, MEF Tennis Events has transformed from a family dream into a professional institution, quietly shaping the future of tennis in Italy. Whether hosting top-tier players, reviving national championships, or elevating the ATP Challenger Tour, their work reflects one key belief: when passion and precision come together, great things happen.

And with their eyes firmly set on raising the bar year after year, MEF isn’t just organizing tournaments, they’re building a legacy.