MILAN/STARNBERG, July 4, 2026
Marco Cecchinato continued his outstanding run at the Aspria Tennis Cup 2026 – Trofeo BCS, defeating Brazil’s Gustavo Heide to book his place in the ATP Challenger final in Milan.
The defending champion is now just one victory away from a historic third title at the Aspria Harbour Club, having previously lifted the trophy in 2016 and 2025. Sunday’s final, starting at 11 a.m. local time, will see Cecchinato face Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta in a meeting between two former Milan champions, with Diaz Acosta having won the event in 2023.
Cecchinato delivered one of his best performances of the week to overcome the in-form Heide 6-1, 7-5. The Brazilian arrived in Milan on the back of two Challenger titles in the past two months and a career-high ATP ranking of No. 133, but the Italian immediately took control with an aggressive and error-free display to dominate the opening set.
Although Heide raised his level in the second set, Cecchinato remained composed during the decisive moments, breaking serve at 5-5 before serving out the match to reach another final on home soil.
“It was a very difficult match against an opponent full of confidence who has won a lot in recent weeks,” Cecchinato said. “I did a great job of starting strongly, making very few mistakes in the first set and staying mentally sharp in the second.”
The former Roland Garros semifinalist also spoke about his special connection with the tournament.
“I feel at home here now. This is my third final in Milan, there are always so many people supporting me and the atmosphere is fantastic. Tomorrow I’ll give everything I have to win this title for a third time.”
Diaz Acosta secured the other place in the final with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Spain’s Daniel Rincón. After dropping the opening set, the Argentine gradually took control as Rincón began to feel the effects of his marathon three-hour-and-40-minute quarterfinal victory the previous day.
“The conditions were very difficult today because of the heat,” Diaz Acosta said. “I’m happy to have reached my second final here in Milan. Playing Cecchinato tomorrow will be a very tough challenge.”
Forti/Romano triumphs in doubles
The doubles title was decided earlier in the day, with the all-Italian team of Francesco Forti and Filippo Romano defeating India’s Siddhant Banthia and Arjun Kadhe 6-3, 7-6 in one hour and 20 minutes.
The victory marks Forti and Romano’s second ATP Challenger doubles title of the season following their triumph in Cervia, further confirming their status as one of Italy’s most successful partnerships on the Challenger Tour this year.
