CORDENONS/STARNBERG, July 18, 2026
Spanish fifth seed Max Alcala Gurri became the first finalist of the Serena Wines 1881–Acqua Maniva Tennis Cup Internazionali del Friuli Venezia Giulia ATP Challenger in Cordenons after fighting back to defeat Argentine qualifier Gonzalo Villanueva 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in a high-quality semi-final interrupted by rain on Saturday.
The match got off to an even start, with both players exchanging breaks before rain halted play at 2-2 in the opening set. After the restart, Villanueva secured another crucial break in the seventh game and, after saving a break point while serving for the set at 5-4, sealed the opener 6-4.
Alcala Gurri responded strongly in the second set. Although he failed to convert three break points at 2-2, the Spaniard remained patient. Villanueva again struck in the decisive seventh game, but this time Alcala Gurri immediately raised his level, recovered from the setback and capitalized on a series of unforced errors from the Argentine to take the set 7-5.
The momentum had completely shifted. Alcala Gurri dominated the deciding set, showcasing the excellent form that has brought him consistent success on the Italian Challenger circuit this season. Villanueva, playing his sixth consecutive match between qualifying and the main draw, began to feel the effects of fatigue, allowing the 23-year-old from Barcelona to cruise to a 6-1 victory and secure his place in the final. It marks Alcala Gurri’s third ATP Challenger final of the season, following his title runs in Cervia and Royan.
Three and counting 😤
Max Alcala Gurri adds another Challenger final to his 2026 campaign, rallies past Villanueva 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 in Cordenons.#ATPChallenger | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/XIBgjqRTeB
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) July 18, 2026
His opponent will be determined once the suspended second semi-final is completed. Italian Federico Bondioli was leading Hungarian qualifier Matyas Fuele 6-2 when rain forced play to be suspended.
In the doubles final, third seeds Alexandru Jecan of Romania and David Poljak of the Czech Republic captured the title after a hard-fought battle against Charles Barry from Ireland and Bulgarian Anthony Genov. After dropping the opening set, Jecan and Poljak fought back to win the second-set tie-break before dominating the match tie-break 10-3.
SATURDAY RESULTS
Singles Semi-finals
[5] Max Alcala Gurri (ESP) d. [Q] Gonzalo Villanueva (ARG) 4-6, 7-5, 6-1
Federico Bondioli (ITA) vs. [Q] Matyas Fuele (HUN) 6-2, suspended
Doubles Final
[3] Alexandru Jecan (ROU) / David Poljak (CZE) d. Charles Barry (IRL) / Anthony Genov (BUL) 4-6, 7-6(4), 10-3
