In a remarkable achievement for Italian tennis, young talent Federica Urgesi has secured her place in the main draw of the prestigious Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. The 20-year-old from Fano, who turned heads with her performance in the qualifiers, will be joined by fellow Marchigian players Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Luca Nardi, both of whom received wild cards to enter the tournament.
Urgesi's journey to the main draw was nothing short of spectacular. She triumphed over Slovakian player Richtarrikova in a tightly contested match, finishing with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, before defeating Bulgarian Anastasia Abbagnato decisively with a score of 6-3, 6-2. "I'm really very satisfied," Urgesi expressed after her victories, radiating excitement. "Almost incredulous and ultra happy. The end of the feat? I didn't feel under the slightest pressure; in fact, it found me more brilliantly than physically."
This achievement represents a significant milestone for Urgesi, who first made waves on the junior circuit when she won the Australian Open trophy in 2023 at just 16 years old. Since October, she has been training at Sporting Club Sassuolo under the guidance of coach Francesco De Laurentiis and athletic trainer Stefano Ramponi. This training decision has already proven fruitful, as Urgesi noted, "Two years ago I reached the qualifications; this year I raised the bar even further by hitting the main draw." She added, "I didn't think my opponent would be in the main draw; for now, I'm just thinking about enjoying this qualification."
The excitement surrounding Urgesi's entry into the tournament is palpable, especially for the tennis community in the Marche region, which will see three of its representatives competing at the iconic Foro Italico. As the tournament progresses, fans will eagerly be watching to see how Urgesi performs against top-ranked opponents.
Urgesi's first-round match is set against Canadian tennis star Bianca Vanessa Andreescu, marking their first encounter on the professional circuit. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM on the SUPERTENNIS ARENA, this match is generating significant interest. Andreescu, currently ranked No. 121, has struggled in 2025 with a win-loss record of 1-3, including a recent first-round exit at the Vic tournament where she lost 6-2, 6-2 to Birrell.
Despite her recent challenges, Andreescu boasts an impressive overall career record of 202 wins to 103 losses, with a positive 29-18 record on clay courts. Her best performance at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia came in 2022 when she reached the quarter-finals. In contrast, Urgesi, ranked No. 455, has a balanced 9-9 record in 2025, with a recent loss in the W75 Koper qualifications against Gorgodze. Her best result in Rome prior to this year was reaching the qualifications in 2023.
The odds are stacked against Urgesi, with bookmakers predicting Andreescu to win in straight sets, offering odds of 1.152 compared to Urgesi's 5.4. However, the unpredictability of tennis means that anything can happen on the court, and Urgesi's determination and recent form could surprise many.
As the match approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Will Urgesi's youthful exuberance and determination be enough to overcome the seasoned Andreescu? Or will the Canadian find her rhythm and secure a victory? Regardless of the outcome, this match represents a significant moment for Urgesi, who is poised to make her mark on the professional stage.
With the tournament underway, the spotlight will be on the young Italian star as she embarks on this new chapter in her career. Her journey from junior champion to competing on one of the biggest stages in tennis is a testament to her hard work and dedication. The Foro Italico will undoubtedly witness a thrilling match as Federica Urgesi takes on Bianca Vanessa Andreescu, and tennis fans around the world will be watching closely.
As the excitement builds, Urgesi’s supporters are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a long and successful career in tennis. With her talent and determination, the future looks bright for this young athlete from the Marche region.
