BERGAMO/STARNBERG, June 25, 2026

Fausto Tabacco is rapidly emerging as one of the standout performers on the ITF World Tennis Tour. While numerous tournaments take place around the globe each week, a strong result at the Trofeo TNB-Azimut Bergamo ($15,000, clay) would further cement the Sicilian’s status as one of the form players of the month.

When Tabacco returned to Italy following a tournament swing in Monastir in May, he was ranked world No. 745. Since then, the 23-year-old from Messina has enjoyed a remarkable run of results. He captured the title in Messina—his third professional singles title and a particularly emotional triumph at his home club, the Circolo del Tennis e della Vela—before reaching the final in Milan.

Already assured of a rise to around No. 560 in the rankings, Tabacco is now chasing more valuable points in Bergamo. He secured his place in the quarterfinals with a convincing 6-2, 6-4 victory over Federico Iannaccone. Although the scoreline appeared straightforward, the match lasted two hours, with Tabacco patiently constructing points and wearing down his opponent through extended rallies.

The victory marked his eleventh win in his last twelve matches and was especially significant given that he had previously trailed 3-1 in the head-to-head series against Iannaccone.

Statistically, Tabacco has become the most successful member of a family that boasts three professional tennis-playing brothers. While younger brother Giorgio Tabacco saw his run end in the round of 16 against Federico Arnaboldi, Fausto’s journey continues.

A Rematch with the Top Seed

Awaiting him in Friday’s quarterfinals is top seed Matthew William Donald, last year’s semi-finalist. The Czech had dropped a set to Daniele Rapagnetta earlier in the tournament before overcoming Manuel Plunger 6-3, 6-4.

The matchup will serve as a fascinating rematch of their first-round encounter at the same venue twelve months ago, when Donald prevailed after nearly three hours of battle. This time, however, both players arrive in very different circumstances: Tabacco as one of the hottest players on the Italian circuit and Donald as the tournament’s top seed.

Growing up idolising Andy Murray, Tabacco first picked up a racket at the age of five, inspired by his father. Together with his brothers, he quickly attracted attention in Italian tennis, winning prestigious junior events and progressing through the national ranks.

After several difficult seasons marked by injuries and uncertainty, the Sicilian is enjoying a resurgence.

“I’ve come through two or three difficult years with injuries and doubts,” Tabacco said. “But I’ve put myself back in the game. Honestly, I don’t have specific ranking goals. I just want to play freely and improve day by day. I’m determined to do that.”

His performances in Bergamo suggest he is doing exactly that.

Fumagalli’s Dream Run Continues

Another feel-good story of the week belongs to Filiberto Fumagalli. The 24-year-old from Bergamo has reached the quarterfinals after coming through qualifying, equalling the best result of his professional career.

Fresh from competing in France, Fumagalli has carried his momentum into his home event and is enjoying a memorable week at the Tennis Club Citta dei Mille. Having grown up attending the famous Bergamo Challenger in various roles, achieving such a result close to home carries special significance.

The local player secured another upset victory by defeating experienced Lorenzo Bocchi 7-5, 6-0 to book a quarterfinal meeting with Federico Arnaboldi.

On paper, the challenge appears daunting. More than 1,000 ranking places separate the two players, and Arnaboldi also won their only previous meeting at the TC Mille in 2021, 6-0, 6-3, on his way to the title. Yet Fumagalli enters the match with confidence, buoyed by home support and the freedom that comes with having nothing to lose.

Italian Dominance in the Draw

Seven Italians have reached the quarterfinals, underlining the strength of the home contingent.

Marcello Serafini produced another dramatic comeback, defeating France’s Louis Larue 7-6, 5-7, 7-6 after trailing by a double break in the deciding set. His reward is an all-Italian clash against Giovanni Oradini, who has enjoyed a comparatively smooth route through the draw.

With only Italian players remaining in the bottom half of the draw, the prospect of a home champion remains very much alive.