PERUGIA/STARNBERG, June 13, 2024
The ATP Challenger Tour is back in Italy for a three-week clay-court swing in June. Maks Kasnikowski took center stage during Wednesday’s evening session at the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia | G.I.Ma. Tennis Cup, an ATP Challenger 125 tournament organized by MEF Tennis Events at the Tennis Club Perugia.
The World No. 243 from Poland wrapped up the day by defeating the third seed Borna Coric of Croatia 7-5, 6-4.
Stunning forehand pass 🔥
Maks Kasnikowski with an absolute beauty on the run against Coric in Perugia#ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/bVoJWZFdtu
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 12, 2024
“Borna is a fantastic player. I grew up watching his matches on the biggest stages,” Kasnikowksi said after the match. “He has been on the tour for over ten years, so I am happy with my performance against such a high-level player. I served great and felt really good out there.”
Earlier this year, the 20-year-old from Warsaw captured his first ATP Challenger Tour title at the Indoor Oeiras Open in Portugal and last week he secured his first victory over a Top 100 player by defeating Daniel Altmaier. Now, in Perugia, he has repeated the feat by overcoming the World No. 88. “I’m having an incredible season. I started 2024 by winning my first Challenger title, and my growth continues. I want to thank my entire team for their support, as well as my brother, who always brings me luck when he’s with me.”
In the quarterfinals, Kasnikowski will face last week’s Neckarcup champion Sumit Nagal of India, who earlier in the day rallied past home favourite Alessandro Giannessi 0-6, 7-5, 7-6(5).
Second seed Laslo Djere of Serbia also advanced, overcoming Dutchman Jesper De Jong 6-4, 7-5. Meanwhile, in the late afternoon, Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain ended the run of Italian qualifier Federico Arnaboldi with a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Wednesday Results
Second Round – Singles
Sumit Nagal (6) b. Alessandro Giannessi (Q) 0-6 7-5 7-6(5)
Maks Kasnikowski b. Borna Coric (3) 7-5 6-4
Bernabe Zapata Miralles b. Federico Arnaboldi 6-4 6-4
Laslo Djere (2) b. Jesper De Jong 6-4 7-5
