CORDENONS/STARNBERG, July 17, 2026
Federico Bondioli produced a superb comeback to book his place in the semi-finals of the 23rd edition of the ATP Challenger 75 Cordenons Serena Wines 1881–Acqua Maniva Tennis Cup Internazionali del Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The 21-year-old Italian from Ravenna recovered from a one-sided opening set to defeat third seed Sumit Nagal of India 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, securing his second-best result of the 2026 season after reaching the semi-finals at the ATP Challenger 125 in Naples.
After struggling throughout the first set, Bondioli gradually found his rhythm and stayed within striking distance in the second. He earned his first break of the match in the final game of the set to level the contest at one set apiece. In the decider, the Italian quickly opened a 2-0 lead as Nagal’s level dropped. Although Bondioli briefly surrendered a break after moving ahead 4-2, he immediately regained control and closed out an impressive victory.
Spain’s Max Alcala Gurri also continued his outstanding form with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 win over Uruguay’s Franco Roncadelli. Ranked world No. 229, matching his career high, the 23-year-old Spaniard has already claimed Challenger titles in Cervia and Royan this season and has now won 45 matches across the Challenger and ITF World Tennis Tour circuits in 2026. He has yet to drop a set this week in Cordenons.
There was disappointment for Stefano Napolitano, who fell to Argentine qualifier Gonzalo Villanueva 6-3, 7-6(3). Villanueva proved the steadier player from the baseline, while the Italian was unable to avoid costly unforced errors, particularly in the closing stages of the second set, which the Argentine sealed in the tie-break.
In other action, Hungarian qualifier Matyas Fuele knocked out top seed Hugo Dellien of Bolivia 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Bondioli will meet the winner of that match, while Alcala Gurri will take on Villanueva.
FRIDAY RESULTS
Singles Quarterfinal
Federico Bondioli (ITA) def. [3] Sumit Nagal (IND) 1-6, 7-5, 6-3
[Q] Gonzalo Villanueva (ARG) def. [7] Stefano Napolitano (ITA) 6-3, 7-6(3)
[5] Max Alcala Gurri (ESP) def. Franco Roncadelli (URU) 6-1, 6-3
[Q] Matyas Fuele (HUN) def. [1][SE] Hugo Dellien (BOL) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4
Doubles Semi-final
Charles Barry (IRL) / Anthony Genov (BUL) def. [4] Denys Molchanov (UKR) / Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND) 6-2, 6-3
[3] Alexandru Jecan (ROU) / David Poljak (CZE) def. [WC] Federico Bondioli (ITA) / Carlo Alberto Caniato (ITA) W.O.
