Monza is buzzing with excitement as Federico Cinà, the 18-year-old tennis prodigy from Palermo, makes his highly anticipated debut at the Atkinsons Monza Open 25 today, April 8, 2025. Cinà is set to face Raphael Collignon, the tournament's number one seed and currently ranked 92nd in the world. This match represents a significant milestone for the young athlete, who is eager to prove himself on the professional stage.
Having recently made waves with a strong performance at the Masters 1000 in Miami, where he achieved a notable first-round victory against Francisco Comesana, Cinà's confidence is at an all-time high. His father, Francesco, who is also his coach, shared insights into Federico’s journey. “He has always shown a natural talent for tennis,” Francesco noted. “Even as a toddler, he would hit balls with spoons before he could walk. While we prioritize his tennis career, we also ensure he stays grounded with his education; he is preparing for his diploma exams this summer.”
Francesco emphasizes the importance of balance in Federico's life, stating, “We want him to enjoy his youth without letting tennis become an obsession. Our focus is on consistent growth rather than immediate results.” This philosophy is reflected in their training regimen, which includes a rigorous physical preparation program that saw them spend seven weeks at the CONI Olympic Preparation Center in Tirrenia over the winter.
Cinà's team is robust, featuring coach Claudio Galoppini, physical trainers Stefano Barsacchi and Roberto Petrignani, and sports psychologist Danilo De Gasperi, all of whom are dedicated to nurturing his potential. “We are excited to see how he performs on clay, especially since he favors faster surfaces,” Francesco added. “The red clay requires a different level of physicality, and we are working on that aspect.”
The Villa Reale Tennis venue is buzzing with energy as the tournament kicks off, drawing a crowd of around four thousand spectators on its opening day. The atmosphere is electric, with fans eager to witness the emerging talents of Italian tennis. In addition to Cinà’s match, the day features an impressive lineup of matches, including those of other promising Italian players.
Matteo Gigante, another rising star, showcased his resilience in a thrilling match against wild card Pietro Fellin. After dropping the first set 3-6, Gigante rallied back to win the next two sets decisively, with scores of 6-3 and 6-2. This victory is particularly sweet for Gigante, who is making his comeback from an ankle injury. Earlier this year, he qualified for both the Australian Open and the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, marking significant milestones in his young career.
Federico Arnaboldi also made headlines by defeating Matej Dodig in straight sets, 7-6(6) and 6-2. His performance was marked by a strong comeback in the first set, which he won in a tiebreak after initially falling behind. Arnaboldi will face Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the next round, and his victory adds to the excitement surrounding Italian players in the tournament.
Other Italian players have also made their mark in the qualifying rounds. Andrea Picchione triumphed over Swiss player Remy Bertola with a score of 6-2, 7-5, while Enrico Dalla Valle secured a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win against local player William Mirarchi. These results highlight the growing talent pool in Italian tennis, as more players step into the spotlight.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Cinà as he takes on Collignon, a formidable opponent in the top 100. This match is not just a test of skill but also a chance for Cinà to showcase his potential on a larger stage. “We don’t know much about Collignon, but it will be a challenging test,” said Francesco. “What matters most is that Federico gives his all, regardless of the outcome.”
The Atkinsons Monza Open 25 serves as a critical event in the ATP Challenger circuit, providing players with opportunities to earn valuable ranking points and compete against high-caliber opponents. The presence of young Italian talents like Cinà, Gigante, and Arnaboldi makes this tournament a thrilling showcase of emerging stars in the tennis world.
With the day filled with matches, fans can look forward to an action-packed atmosphere at the Villa Reale Tennis. As the players take to the courts, the excitement builds for what promises to be a memorable tournament, not just for the competitors but for all tennis enthusiasts watching the next generation of stars in action.
