CHISINAU, May 31, 2026
Franco Agamenone‘s tennis journey has been anything but straightforward. The 33-year-old Italian, who was born in Rio Cuarto, Argentina, has experienced the highs of reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 108 and the lows of questioning whether he wanted to continue playing the sport at all.
Known on tour as “El Pulpo” – The Octopus – for his quick reflexes around the court, Agamenone has built a career on perseverance, humility and an unwavering passion for tennis. Those qualities were on full display this week at the Moldova Open in Chisinau, where he has battled his way through difficult conditions to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
“It is my first time here in Chisinau,” Agamenone said. “The conditions are not easy because of the wind. You have to stay focused all the time, but so far I have managed that quite well. The new complex is very beautiful. There are different courts with different surfaces, indoor hard courts and outdoor clay courts. It is fun to play here. Without the wind, the conditions would be perfect for tennis.”
Away from the courts, the Argentine-born Italian has already had the opportunity to explore the Moldovan capital.
“We have been to the city centre twice for dinner. The local food is really delicious. Everything has been very pleasant,” the current world No. 258 stated.
Agamenone’s relationship with tennis began at the age of five when his father founded a tennis club in their hometown of Rio Cuarto and brought in a coach to train him. His father remains the biggest influence on his life and career.
“My dad has had the biggest influence on my career, always supporting me and taking me to tournaments when I was a child,” Agamenone once said. “He told me that the most important thing in life, on and off the court, is to be a good person and to be humble. This is the most valuable advice.”
A talented junior, Agamenone was ranked No. 1 in Argentina in several age categories, including Under-10, Under-11, Under-14 and Under-16. Yet the transition to the professional tour proved far from easy.
“In 2018, I wanted to leave tennis,” Agamenone admitted. “I was in a bad place and not happy. I never really believed that I had the ability to achieve my dreams and move into the Top 100. I felt that I was inferior to the rest of the players.”
Everything changed when the six-time Challenger champion moved to Lecce, Italy, in 2020.
“I needed a change and I found that in Lecce. A coach, a team, a physio, a nutritionist, and the confidence and consistency I never had,” he said.
Today, Lecce remains his home and training base. “I have been living and training in Lecce for five years. We really like it there. The city and the people are very pleasant, and we feel very comfortable.”
One of the most emotional moments of Agamenone’s career came earlier this season when he captured the ATP Challenger title in Buenos Aires. The victory was particularly meaningful because it came in the country where he grew up and shortly after becoming a father.
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“Winning a tournament in the country where I grew up was obviously something very special,” he said. “My family and friends were there, and of course my daughter, who is now one year old. It was a very emotional moment.”
Balancing life on tour with family responsibilities is not always easy, but Agamenone has found a rhythm that works for him.
“Sometimes it is difficult but I simply try not to be away from my family for more than two weeks at a time. I was recently in Tunis and Istanbul with my coaches, and here my girlfriend and daughter are with me again. It is important for me to see my daughter growing up.”
Having his family nearby has also become an important source of motivation.
“Absolutely,” Agamenone said when asked whether their presence gives him extra energy. “In my first-round match I was down 6-2, 1-0, but my family was at the court cheering for me. That definitely gave me extra energy. My little daughter was very enthusiastic next to the court. It was great to see.”
A clay-court specialist whose favourite shot is the forehand, Agamenone still looks up to Roger Federer as his tennis idol.
“For me, he has always been my idol. I like his character, his humility, how he trains, his tranquillity, and how he makes it look so easy when it is really difficult.”
With renewed confidence, a supportive team behind him and a young family by his side, Agamenone remains ambitious.
“My goal is definitely to play the Grand Slams,” he said. “That is the first objective I will fight for.”
For a player who once considered walking away from the sport, the dream is very much alive.
