VALENCIA, November 5, 2026
Samuele Pieri is having plenty of reasons to smile these days. The 24-year-old Italian has taken his game to another level in 2026, breaking into the world’s top 315 and collecting some important silverware along the way. His biggest achievement came in early October, when he captured his maiden ATP Challenger title on home soil in Bari. Now, with confidence growing and a new career-high ranking of No. 312 within reach, Pieri is looking to finish the season on a high note.
This week, he is the top seed at the IV Internacional Ciudad de Valencia, a World Tennis Tour M25 event being held on clay this week. His campaign got off to a challenging start on Wednesday against Spanish qualifier Sergio Planella Hernandez, but Pieri eventually found his rhythm to secure a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 victory.
“It was a tough match. I didn’t know my opponent, but I think he played the first two sets really, really well. I didn’t play very well, but I expected that because I only arrived yesterday. It was quite predictable,” the Italian explained after the match.
The opening set went Planella Hernandez’s way, but Pieri gradually adjusted to the conditions and found the right solutions. After levelling the match, he produced a dominant third set to complete the comeback.
“I just found the right shots and I’m happy with the win. I played a very good third set.”
The conditions were not exactly straightforward either. With chilly temperatures and a particularly fast, slippery clay court, players had to adapt quickly.
“The conditions are tough because the court is very slippery and quite fast. There hasn’t been much play on it. But we play everywhere, so we have to deal with it.”
Bari breakthrough and a strong team behind him
Valencia was something of a mandatory stop for Pieri after a busy run of tournaments in Italy. With few clay-court opportunities available at this stage of the season, travelling to Spain was the logical choice. And he certainly arrived with plenty of confidence.
His triumph in Bari marked a major milestone in his career. Alongside his three ITF World Tennis Tour titles, including one in Klagenfurt, Austria earlier this season, the Challenger trophy has provided further evidence of his progress.
“It was a very special week, also because I was there with my girlfriend. We spent the week together, which made it even more special. Of course, winning the tournament was fantastic as well,” the Borgo San Lorenzo native said.
Pieri is also pleased with the work being done behind the scenes. Based in Florence, he trains twice a day, working closely with his coach and a small group of fellow professionals.
“I’m very happy with how I’m playing and how I’m practising every day with my coach and my team. I think we’re doing a really good job, and I hope we can continue like this.”
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
His training environment is more of a close-knit group at a tennis club than a traditional academy. Among the players sharing the facilities are fellow Italians Gabriele Piraino, Leonardo Rossi, Mattia Nannelli and Guidotti Martino. They do not necessarily travel together, as their tournament schedules and preferred surfaces often differ.
When it comes to his own game, Pieri knows exactly what he likes: taking control with his forehand.
“I like playing with my forehand. The idea is to hit a good first serve and then win the point with my forehand. That’s my type of tennis.”
Fiorentina, Italian rap and discovering new cities
Away from the court, Pieri describes himself as a straightforward guy with fairly simple interests. Football and music are among his favourite ways to unwind, and whenever his schedule allows, he enjoys going to the stadium with friends.
His allegiance is firmly with Fiorentina, the club from his hometown of Florence. Music-wise, Italian rap is his first choice, although he also enjoys some classic Italian music.
And there is another side to the travelling tennis professional: he likes exploring the cities he visits rather than spending all his time at the tournament venue.
This is his second visit to Valencia, having previously been here two years ago. He has already enjoyed some of the city’s attractions, including the Oceanogràfic and the historic city centre.
“It’s a very nice city,” he said, clearly appreciating the opportunity to combine tennis with a little sightseeing.
The next target: Grand Slam qualifying
For now, however, the focus is firmly on the court. As the top seed in Valencia, Pieri is hoping to make a deep run and live up to his billing.
“I hope to respect my seeding. I’ll try to do my best and let’s see how it goes.”
Looking further ahead, he has already set himself an ambitious target for the upcoming season.
“My goal for 2027 is to get into the qualifying of the Grand Slams,” he said with a smile.
