TODI/STARNBERG, August 16, 2026
Nicolas Kicker and Maxim Mrva will meet in the final of the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Todi | Sidernestor Tennis Cup, setting up a fascinating clash between experience and emerging talent.
On one side of the net will be Kicker, a former World No. 78 and two-time Todi finalist, having reached the championship match in 2015 and 2022. On the other will be 18-year-old Czech prodigy Mrva, a former No. 2 in the junior world rankings who is chasing the first Challenger title of his career.
Kicker booked his place in the final with a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Marco Cecchinato in the evening session. The former World No. 16 enjoyed another strong week on home soil but was unable to reach his third final of the 2026 season.
For Kicker, meanwhile, victory on Sunday would have an added reward. The Argentine is set to climb further up the rankings and would return to the Top 300 should he lift the trophy.
Earlier in the day, Mrva produced another impressive performance, defeating Argentina’s Alex Barrena 6-3, 6-2 to reach his third Challenger final. The Czech had previously finished runner-up twice in Hersonissos, in 2025 and again earlier this season.
The future has a name: .
The Czech rising star defeats Alex Barrena to book his place in the final of the ’ #tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger #Todi pic.twitter.com/dn8IEndTf1
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 15, 2026
Mrva’s coach: “Sinner wanted him as a practice partner”
Todi has long been a tournament where future stars make their mark. Over the years, the event has welcomed eight of the nine Italians currently ranked inside the Top 100, as well as a young Carlos Alcaraz and numerous other players who later broke into the world’s Top 20.
Mrva’s talent was evident from the moment he stepped on court this week. Already in his three-set opening-round victory over fellow Italian Pierluigi Basile, the Czech teenager showed flashes of extraordinary quality.
The former junior World No. 2, now ranked No. 309 in the ATP Rankings, has reached his third Challenger final in Todi. While Mrva is keen not to rush his development, his junior résumé – which also includes a title at the prestigious Les Petits As – highlights the potential he possesses.
“How far away is the main Tour? There are a lot of ups and downs in a season,” Mrva said. “There are many of us who have the level to play on the Tour, but consistency is what makes the difference. I am working to reach that level and, of course, I dream of getting there soon.”
His potential did not go unnoticed by the ATP. In 2025, Mrva was selected as one of the official practice partners for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. During the event, Jannik Sinner regularly chose the young Czech as a practice partner – an experience that left a lasting impression on Mrva’s coach, Emanuel Rehola.
“Before going to Turin, I preferred Alcaraz, but after that experience I have to say I will be cheering for Sinner,” Rehola said with a laugh. “I didn’t know what to expect, but Jannik and his team were incredibly kind and gave us some very important advice. They were always asking if they could practise with us, and it was a great opportunity.”
Rehola has no doubts about his player’s potential.
“Maxim’s talent was immediately clear to me when I first met him. Now it’s about maturing, both on and off the court. But if we are talking about his shots, he already has the level to achieve great things.”
The day began with the doubles final, where Frenchmen Arthur Reymond and Luca Sanchez defeated Spain’s Mario Mansilla Diez and Benjamin Winter Lopez 6-2, 6-4.
