SASSUOLO/STARNBERG, June 19, 2024
The Azzurri headlined Tuesday’s action at the Sporting Club of Sassuolo, where the third edition of the Emilia-Romagna Tennis Cup, organized by Master Group Sport with the sponsorship of the Emilia Romagna Region, is taking place until Saturday.
The first Italian to advance to the second round on Tuesday was Federico Arnaboldi from Como, who defeated former World No. 37, Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles, who retired after losing the first set in a tie-break. Arnaboldi will next face the tournament’s top seed Federico Coria of Argentina.
Stefano Travaglia also progressed, comfortably beating Argentine Guido Andreozzi 6-2, 6-4. The Marchigiano will next face Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, who eased past Elias Ymer of Sweden 6-1, 6-0.
All three Italians who came through the qualifiers also booked their spots in the second round of the ATP Challenger Tour 125 clay-court event. Marco Cecchinato showcased a spectacular performance on Center Court, returning to his former glory to defeat World No. 118 Francisco Comesana of Argentina 7-6, 6-2.
Swinging through that volley 🔁
One point away from being 1-5 down in the first set, Marco Cecchinato rallies to defeat Comesana 7-6, 6-2 in Sassuolo#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/oaitkFXIeC
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 18, 2024
“I’m happy because today I raised my level against one of the strongest players in this tournament,” Cecchinato said. “It wasn’t easy at all, so I’m satisfied because I also played well. I stayed focused, solid, and kept pushing consistently, knowing it was the tactical key to winning the match.” Cecchinato will next face Korea’s Gerard Lee Campana.
Riccardo Bonadio secured his third consecutive victory in three days, coming from behind to defeat Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. “It was a match that I started poorly, making many errors. I didn’t hold my early service games, and he played fast, low balls that took me out of my comfort zone behind the baseline. Gradually, by extending the rallies and slowing down the pace, I managed to get into my ideal game pattern. My condition has improved day by day, although with this heat, it’s hard to predict how I’ll feel tomorrow, but I’m trained for these kinds of matches. And, as you can see from the stands, I enjoy playing them,” said Bonadio, who will face Fabio Fognini next.
Alexander Weis had to save a match point against France’s Valentin Royer to prevail 3-6, 6-1, 7-6. “I didn’t start well, partly due to my opponent. In the second set, I raised my level, and the third was a fierce battle. I’m happy to have overcome many tough moments during the set. Now, I’ll recover and rest ahead of tomorrow,” said Weis.
Seventeen-year-old Federico Cina from Palermo lost to Argentina’s Thiago Tirante, 7-6, 7-5 but left a strong impression, confirming his talent destined to blossom in the coming years.
