In a remarkable display of talent and composure, 17-year-old Federico Cinà celebrated a triumphant debut in professional tennis by defeating Argentina's Francisco Comesana at the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami on March 19, 2025. This victory not only marks a significant personal achievement for Cinà but also establishes him as a fresh face in the world of tennis, especially since he accomplished it at such a prestigious tournament.
Using his wild card invitation to full effect, Cinà showcased his extraordinary skills against Comesana, the world-ranked 66th player, in an intense match that went the distance. The match featured two tightly contested sets, both decided in tiebreaks, with Cinà winning 7-6 (7-4) in the first set and 7-6 (7-2) in the second. This has made him the first tennis player born in 2007 to win a match at a Masters 1000 event, earning him rightful recognition on the professional stage.
Cinà, who began the tournament ranked 441st in the world, has skyrocketed to 369th following his victory. His performance was not without challenges; he displayed remarkable poise under pressure, notably saving a set point during the first tiebreak—a moment that could have changed the course of the game.
"Pallino," as he is affectionately known, demonstrated the poise of a seasoned player, even completing the match despite facing cramping in his left leg. After exhibiting a strong start, where he initially broke Comesana's serve, Cinà faced a moment of vulnerability when he served for the match at 5-3 but lost his service game. However, he regained focus in the tiebreak, concluding the match with five consecutive points.
This victory has enormous implications for Cinà's career trajectory. His father, Francesco Cinà, who previously coached Roberta Vinci during her successful run to the finals at the US Open in 2015, has been instrumental in his development. This familial connection to tennis excellence now extends to Federico, who is capturing attention as a promising new star in the sport.
On the horizon, Cinà is set to face Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov, currently seeded 14th in the tournament and ranked 14th worldwide. This matchup promises to be a challenging one for Cinà, but given his recent form, fans are eager to see how he will perform against a seasoned competitor like Dimitrov.
Meanwhile, in another match at the Miami Open, fellow Italian player Mattia Bellucci was eliminated by Taiwan's Chun Hsin Tseng, losing in a closely fought battle that ended with scores of 6-7, 2-6. Bellucci, who entered the match ranked 72nd, will have to regroup after this setback but was seen as a potential threat with expectations for a stronger performance.
As the tournament progresses, the emergence of Federico Cinà is one of the standout stories of the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami. His journey from Challenger tournaments to the larger stages of professional tennis illuminates a budding career filled with promise. Supporters of Italian tennis are evidently excited about having a new contender to rally behind, especially as the sport seeks to cultivate a new generation of stars.
With the end of this early round, spectators and fans of tennis will certainly keep their eyes on both Cinà’s and Bellucci’s futures as they navigate the waters of professional competition. For Cinà, this is just the beginning, a chance to prove he can compete at the highest levels, and for the fans, a new hero to cheer for.
