CAGLIARI/STARNBERG, May 2, 2026
The Sardegna Open once again proves to be a lucky hunting ground for Italian players seeking confidence and victories. After Lorenzo Musetti reached the final in 2024, it is now Matteo Arnaldi who is enjoying a resurgence on the courts of the Tennis Club Cagliari.
On Sunday afternoon, the 25-year-old from Sanremo will contest the most prestigious final of his career – his first in nearly three years, since winning the Challenger title in Heilbronn. In between, Arnaldi celebrated Davis Cup success with Italy in 2023 and climbed as high as world No. 30 before being slowed down by recurring foot injuries. Now back to full fitness, he has rediscovered his form in Sardinia, stringing together four high-quality wins.
His semi-final against Gianluca Cadenasso told a tale of two matches. The underdog from Genoa dominated early, dictating play with his forehand to take the opening set 6-1 against a passive Arnaldi. But momentum shifted completely in the second set, as the more experienced player responded with a 6-1 of his own. A crucial early game in the decider—where Arnaldi saved four break points—proved decisive. From there, Cadenasso lost rhythm and composure, while Arnaldi handled the windy conditions better, racing to a 1-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory in under two hours to reach his seventh Challenger final.
“This tournament is giving me a lot—matches, confidence, rhythm,” said Arnaldi. “Physically it’s not easy, playing four matches in four days, but my level improved from the second set onward. Starting strong in the third set was key, and from that moment the match turned.”
Awaiting him in the final is former top-10 player Hubert Hurkacz, who is also on the comeback trail after injury. Following his win over Matteo Berrettini, Hurkacz backed it up with another hard-fought victory, defeating Roman Andres Burruchaga 4-6, 7-6, 6-3.
The Pole was on the brink of defeat in the second set, just two points away from elimination, but turned the match around by breaking at a crucial moment before dominating the tie-break. He then edged ahead early in the third set and held firm despite late pressure from Burruchaga, sealing the win after two hours and 52 minutes.
Surging on 💪@HubertHurkacz comes back to defeat Burruchaga 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-3 and reach his first final since Geneva in May 2025! #ATPChallenger | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/AnmA6vjPLC
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) May 2, 2026
Sunday’s final will mark the first career meeting between Arnaldi and Hurkacz, closing out what has been a standout edition of the Sardegna Open.
SATURDAY RESULTS
Singles – Semi-finals
Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) def. Gianluca Cadenasso (ITA) 1-6, 6-1, 6-0
Hubert Hurkacz (POL) def. Roman Andrés Burruchaga (ARG) 4-6, 7-6, 6-3
Doubles – Semi-finals
Nouza/Oberleitner (CZE/AUT) def. Kiger/Stalder (USA/USA) 6-4, 6-7, 12-10
Gille/Verbeek (BEL/NED) def. Pavlásek/Rikl (CZE/CZE) 4-6, 6-3, 10-8
