OLBIA/STARNBERG, October 17, 2024

Mattia Bellucci and Matteo Gigante have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olbia Challenger, raising the count of Italian players in the quarterfinals to four. The second-round matches of the ATP Challenger Tour 125 tournament wrapped up on Thursday morning on the hard courts of the Tennis Club Terranova.

On the Cloto Arena, Bellucci and Gigante secured their spots with straight-set victories: Bellucci defeated Czech qualifier Hynek Barton 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 35 minutes. The No. 2 seed will next take on Constant Lestienne of France, who defeated Remy Bertola from Switzerland 6-2, 6-2.

Into the last ✅

Seed No. 2 Mattia Bellucci earns a spot in the Olbia quarterfinals moving past Barton 6-3, 6-2#OnTheRise | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/W5pK1oKTrY

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 17, 2024

Currently ranked 106 in the world, Bellucci aims to break into the Top 100 and secure a spot in the Australian Open main draw. Winning this tournament could even push him into the Top 90.

Gigante cruised past Frenchman Laurent Lokoli 6-1, 6-1 in 65 minutes, earning him a quarterfinal spot against Javier Barranco Cosano from Spain. Gigante highlighted his comfort and confidence, crediting his coach, Marco Gulisano, for his progress this season.

THURSDAY RESULTS

Singles – Second Round

Javier Barranco Cosano b. Emilio Nava 6-4 6-3
Matteo Gigante (7) b. Laurent Lokoli (Q) 6-1 6-1
Constant Lestienne (6) b. Remy Bertola 6-2 6-2
Mattia Bellucci (2/WC) b. Hynek Barton 6-3 6-2