The journey back to peak form may still require time, but Matteo Arnaldi finally has reason to smile again. At the Sardegna Open in Cagliari, the Italian secured a much-needed victory, reigniting his confidence after a challenging period.

Playing in front of a packed Centre Court at the Tennis Club Cagliari, the 25-year-old fought back to defeat fellow Italian Federico Arnaboldi 6–7, 6–4, 6–2, earning his place in the second round of the ATP Challenger 175 event. Arnaboldi, who had come through qualifying, impressed early with his clean and composed tennis, claiming the opening set in a tiebreak and holding firm deep into the second.

However, Arnaldi – watched closely by his new coach Fabio Colangelo – refused to back down. At 4–4 in the second set, he shifted the momentum decisively. After narrowly missing earlier chances, he finally broke serve, gaining the belief he needed to take control. That moment sparked a run of six consecutive games, completely turning the match around and leaving his opponent with no way back.

Fighting back 💪

Matteo Arnaldi weathers Arnaboldi 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2 to reach the second round in Cagliari #ATPChallenger | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/VNpWPK7XHh

— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) April 29, 2026

“I’m not in my best moment, so I really needed this win to build confidence and work toward rediscovering my tennis,” Arnaldi said afterward. “I’ve been dealing with a foot problem for a while—some days are better than others. But after six difficult months, I’m finally training more consistently, and that’s the most important thing.”

In the second round, Arnaldi will face Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the tournament’s seventh seed, who also came through a tough three-set battle against promising Italian Federico Cina. The 19-year-old showed his potential by pushing the experienced South American for nearly three hours, but ultimately fell 6–7, 6–4, 6–3.

“Against Cerundolo it will be tough,” Arnaldi added. “But I’m focused on my own game. I hope to play a good match.”

Elsewhere, Italy enjoyed a strong showing on the clay courts of Monte Urpinu. Andrea Pellegrino recovered from a slow start to defeat Stefanos Sakellaridis 2–6, 6–4, 6–4, while Gianluca Cadenasso cruised past Lorenzo Carboni 6–3, 6–1 in an all-Italian clash. Luca Potenza, however, was eliminated by US-American Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets.

Thursday’s schedule promises high-level action, with all round-of-16 matches on court. The top four seeds will enter the competition, including Matteo Berrettini and Hubert Hurkacz. The highlight of the day is expected to be Berrettini’s clash with Argentina’s Mariano Navone, the top seed and champion from 2024.

WEDNESDAY RESULTS

Singles – First Round
Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA) def. Luca Potenza (ITA) 6–3, 7–6
Andrea Pellegrino (ITA) def. Stefanos Sakellaridis (GRE) 2–6, 6–4, 6–4
Juan Manuel Cerundolo (ARG) def. Federico Cina (ITA) 6–7, 6–4, 6–3
Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) def. Federico Arnaboldi (ITA) 6–7, 6–4, 6–2
Gianluca Cadenasso (ITA) def. Lorenzo Carboni (ITA) 6–3, 6–1
Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) def. Mattia Bellucci (ITA) 4-6, 6-1, 7-5

Doubles – First Round
Nouza/Oberleitner (CZE/AUT) def. Borges/Cornea (POR/ROU) 7–6, 6–2
Pavlasek/Rikl (CZE/CZE) def. Balaji/Demoliner (IND/BRA) 6–1, 4–6, 10–7
Kiger/Stalder (USA/USA) def. Escobar/Serdarusic (ECU/CRO) 2–6, 7–6, 10–8
Burruchaga/Pellegrino (ARG/ITA) def. Harper/Stevenson (CAN/GBR) 6–3, 7–6