PERUGIA/STARNBERG, June 1, 2026
The Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia | G.I.Ma. Tennis Cup officially got underway on Sunday with the opening round of qualifying at the Tennis Club Perugia.
Defending champion Andrea Pellegrino returns to Perugia riding the momentum of a career-defining stretch. The World No. 124 from Bisceglie recently fulfilled two major milestones, facing World No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Centre Court at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and qualifying for the main draw of Roland Garros for the first time in his career.
“Coming back to Perugia feels great,” Pellegrino said. “This is one of my favourite Challenger tournaments. I had an amazing week here last year and I hope to have another strong tournament in 2026. Honestly, I don’t feel pressure about defending points. I’m very relaxed. My goal is simply to give my best and keep improving, because that’s what ultimately helps you win matches.”
The 28-year-old believes his recent success is the result of long-term work.
“The results of the last month and a half are the product of a very long process,” Pellegrino explained. “I already felt very good during the pre-season preparation and, above all, much calmer on court. I’ve experienced incredible emotions recently, but I’ve hardly had time to process them because I’ve spent only one day at home between Rome, Paris and now Perugia.”
Among those memories, his clash with Sinner at the Foro Italico stands out.
“I will remember the match against Sinner for the rest of my life,” he said. “I was a little nervous when I stepped on court because I didn’t want to make a bad impression. I think I played good tennis and even had a small opportunity in the second set. The most beautiful moment was the ovation I received when I left the court. That really moved me.”
Pellegrino then carried his form into Paris, where he successfully came through qualifying before falling to fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli in the main draw.
“Qualifying for Roland Garros was not something to take for granted,” he said. “The final qualifying match against Marco Cecchinato produced the strongest emotion I’ve ever felt on a tennis court. It’s difficult to describe, but it surpasses everything. Against Cobolli, we both played at a very high level for three sets. He is playing incredible tennis and deserves everything that is happening to him right now.”
Now within touching distance of the Top 100 for the first time in his career, Pellegrino is approaching the milestone with a new perspective.
“Of course I would like to break into the Top 100 because I’ve never achieved it before,” he said. “But I’m not obsessed with it. I just try to give 100 per cent every day without putting extra pressure on myself. To reach these goals, consistency is the key.”
