In a surprising turn of events at the Internazionali d’Italia, Lorenzo Sonego was eliminated in the first round by Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga. The match took place on May 7, 2025, at the iconic Foro Italico, where Burruchaga, ranked number 135 in the world, defeated Sonego with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in just one hour and 32 minutes.
For Sonego, this was a disappointing start to his campaign, especially considering his impressive run in the tournament back in 2021, where he reached the semi-finals. The Italian had hopes of replicating that success but struggled to find his rhythm against the young Argentine, who is also the son of Jorge Burruchaga, a legendary figure in Argentine football who scored the decisive goal in the 1986 World Cup final.
The match began with Burruchaga quickly establishing control. Sonego, feeling the pressure, dropped his serve right from the opening game, allowing Burruchaga to jump to a 2-0 lead. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, Sonego could not maintain consistency, and his errors piled up. In the fifth game, he lost his serve again, giving Burruchaga a commanding 4-1 advantage.
As the first set progressed, Sonego attempted to rally but was unable to capitalize on his opportunities. Burruchaga remained composed, closing out the first set without significant trouble. After a shaky start, Sonego showed signs of life in the second set, even earning a break point in the fourth game. However, he was unable to convert this chance, and it proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.
With the momentum swinging back to Burruchaga, the Argentine secured another break in the fifth game, extending his lead to 4-1. Sonego, despite the mounting pressure, managed to break Burruchaga’s serve for the first time in the match, but it was too little too late. Burruchaga quickly regained his composure and sealed the match with a powerful performance.
After the match, Burruchaga expressed his joy at achieving his first victory at the Masters 1000 level and against a top 50 player. “The first days without tennis were confusing, but I realized what is important in life,” he said, reflecting on his journey and the significance of this victory.
Looking ahead, Burruchaga is set to face the 23rd seed, Karen Khachanov, in the second round. This upcoming match will be a significant challenge for the young Argentine, but he has proven he can handle pressure in high-stakes situations.
For Sonego, the defeat marks another tough chapter in what has been a challenging season. He has struggled to find his form, failing to progress beyond the round of 16 in previous tournaments, including a disappointing exit at the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this year. The pressure of expectations at the Internazionali d’Italia, a tournament that holds special memories for him, may have added to his struggles on the court.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Sonego can bounce back from this setback and regain his form. Meanwhile, Burruchaga's unexpected victory adds an exciting twist to the tournament narrative, showcasing the potential of rising stars in tennis.
In this year’s Internazionali d’Italia, Sonego was the first Italian to take to the central court, and the atmosphere was electric as he stepped onto the clay. However, the match quickly turned into a disappointment for the home crowd, who had hoped to see Sonego advance further in the tournament.
With Burruchaga’s victory, the focus now shifts to the next round, where he will look to continue his impressive run against Khachanov. Fans of both players are eager to see how this match unfolds as the tournament continues to deliver thrilling moments.
The Internazionali d’Italia remains one of the most prestigious events in the tennis calendar, and this year is no exception. With the likes of Sonego and Burruchaga competing, the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament are palpable. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the court as players vie for the coveted title in Rome.
