CERVIA/STARNBERG, May 14, 2026
A Wimbledon champion on the courts of the Polisportiva 2000 Tennis Club in Cervia may sound like a dream for the organizers, but this week it has become reality. Since Wednesday morning, none other than Pat Cash has been spotted on the clay courts ahead of the inaugural CAME Cup – Città di Cervia, the new ATP Challenger 50 event taking place from May 17 to 23.
The former Australian star, famous for winning Wimbledon Championships in 1987 after defeating Ivan Lendl in the final, remains one of the most recognisable personalities in tennis. Nicknamed “The Pirate” for his trademark checkered bandana and cross-shaped earring, Cash reached a career-high ranking of world No. 4 in May 1988 and also played in two Australian Open finals as well as two victorious Davis Cup campaigns with Australia.
Now 60 years old, Cash is in Cervia as coach and mentor to fellow Australian Li Tu, one of the featured players at the tournament.
Following his retirement from professional tennis, Cash built a respected coaching career, working with players such as Greg Rusedski, Mark Philippoussis, Alexei Popyrin, Brandon Nakashima and Wang Qiang.
Li Tu’s own story is one of the most remarkable on the ATP Tour. Born in Adelaide to Chinese parents, the Australian enjoyed success as a junior before walking away from professional tennis at the age of 18. Between 2014 and 2021, he did not compete in international tournaments, instead studying economics at university while running a tennis academy alongside mentor Ben Milner.
During that period, Tu rediscovered his love for the sport. His performances in local competitions caught the attention of coach Darren Cahill, who helped him secure wild cards for Australian events in 2021. From there, Tu rebuilt his career from scratch, climbing rapidly into the world’s top 300.
Less than a year ago, he reached a career-high ranking of No. 160 and earned widespread attention at the US Open, where he came through qualifying and even took a set from Carlos Alcaraz on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the opening round.
Behind those sporting achievements lies an emotional personal journey. In 2022, Tu paused his career again as his mother battled lung cancer. He brought forward his wedding ceremony so she could attend before she passed away only weeks later. The day after her funeral, Tu travelled to South Korea to continue competing, honouring his mother’s final wish. Shortly afterwards, he won his first Challenger title in Seoul, breaking down in tears as he looked to the sky during the trophy ceremony.
Tu was the first player in the draw to arrive in Cervia, eager to adapt early to the clay courts at Polisportiva 2000. After two successful editions as an ITF World Tennis Tour event, the club now makes the leap onto the ATP Challenger Circuit with the ambition of bringing more people — especially young fans — closer to tennis and the values the sport represents.
More players are expected to arrive in the coming days for the tournament, which sits in a key position on the calendar between the Italian Open and Roland Garros during the peak of the clay-court season.
