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20 March 2025

Federico Cinà Triumphs In ATP Debut At Miami Masters

The 17-year-old Italian tennis player wins his first professional match, marking his entry into a new level of competition.

In an inspiring display of talent and tenacity, 17-year-old Federico Cinà from Palermo won his first professional match on March 19, 2025, at the Miami Masters 1000. Competing against Argentina's Francisco Comesana, who ranks number 67 in the world, Cinà emerged victorious, completing the match with a score of 7-6(4), 7-6(2), marking a milestone in his budding tennis career.

Pushed through by curiosity and determination, Cinà secured a wild card entry into the tournament. The young player, currently positioned at No. 441 in the ATP rankings, became the first player born in 2007 to win a match on the ATP tour, an achievement that resonates deeply in the tennis community. "I’m exhausted but incredibly happy," Cinà stated in the aftermath of his victory. "I fought hard and didn’t give up, even when cramping in my left leg affected my movement. I was able to stay composed and focus on every point. To win my first match here at such a level is a dream come true!"

The match itself was a rollercoaster ride, demonstrating Cinà’s composure under pressure. Having started strong by breaking Comesana early in the first set, Cinà showcased a mature play style that belied his age. However, he encountered pivotal moments that tested his resolve. He faced a set point while trailing 6-5 in the first set but saved it with an error from Comesana, ultimately pushing the set into a tiebreak.

In the first tiebreak, Cinà maintained focus, capitalizing on mistakes from Comesana to win it convincingly. The second set mirrored the tension of the first, with both players showcasing their skills until Cinà again found himself in a tight spot. Leading 5-2, he had a match point but could not convert it. The cramps began to set in as Comesana regained his footing, breaking Cinà’s serve. Nevertheless, Cinà exhibited remarkable resilience, dragging the set into another tiebreak.

Here, the young Italian powered through with a display of grit and skill, winning it 7-2 and sealing his first ATP match victory. This win not only propels him into the next round against Grigor Dimitrov, the number 14 seed, but also heralds a turning point in his career. "I can’t wait to face a player like Dimitrov—it's going to be an incredible experience," Cinà remarked eagerly about the upcoming challenge.

Federico Cinà, under the mentorship of his father Francesco, who notably coached former WTA player Roberta Vinci, has rapidly ascended through the ranks of junior tennis. His impressive background includes victories in various junior competitions and recent success on the ITF circuit, including winning an M15 title in Sharm El-Sheikh just weeks before his debut at Miami.

As he prepares for his next match on March 21, 2025, against Dimitrov, anticipation is high not just for his performance but for the potential trajectory of his career. Drawing parallels with other young Italian players who have recently impacted the ATP circuit, like Jannik Sinner, there are exciting possibilities for Cinà's future.

Statistically, his debut match featured a striking 76% success rate on his first serves, complemented by a total of 24 winners despite facing 28 unforced errors. His ability to regroup and maintain focus particularly when under duress sets him apart as a promising talent for Italy's tennis future.

At the tender age of 17, Cinà embodies the spirit of youthful ambition and showcases immense potential for a thriving career in tennis. With many eyes now turned to him and expectations justifiably high, his journey continues to unfold, filled with hard work, resilience, and aspirations of greatness in the sport he loves.