The excitement of the ATP and WTA qualifications for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia kicked off on May 5, 2025, at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome, where the red clay courts were alive with action. Among the competitors was Italy's own Giulio Zeppieri, who showcased his tenacity and skill in a thrilling comeback match against Russian Pavel Kotov.
In a contest that lasted over two hours, Zeppieri, ranked 136th in the world, displayed remarkable resilience after dropping the first set 4-6. He rebounded to win the second set 7-5 and then secured the match with a decisive 6-3 in the final set. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the young Italian but also earned him a spot in the decisive round of qualifications.
"It was a tough match, but I managed to stay focused and turn things around," Zeppieri said after his win. "The crowd really pushed me, and I’m grateful for their support. I’m looking forward to the next match against Moreno De Alboran." On May 6, 2025, Zeppieri was set to face the American De Alboran, who is currently ranked 149th in the world, for a chance to enter the main draw of the prestigious tournament.
However, it was a different story for Federica Di Sarra, who faced a challenging match in the women's qualifications. The Fondana player, ranked 602nd in the WTA, was eliminated by Swiss player Jil Teichmann, who is ranked 94th. Di Sarra lost in straight sets, 3-6, 2-6, in a match that lasted just over an hour.
Despite the disappointment for Di Sarra, the day was not without its highlights for Italian tennis. Zeppieri's victory against Kotov was particularly noteworthy as it was the only win for Italian players in the first round of the qualifications. Other players, including Jacopo Vasamì and Pierluigi Basile, faced early exits, with Vasamì losing to former top-10 player Cameron Norrie and Basile falling to Brazil's Thiago Seyboth Wild.
As the tournament progressed, the atmosphere at Foro Italico was electric, with fans eager to see how Zeppieri would perform against De Alboran. The stakes were high, as a victory would not only grant him entry into the main draw but also provide a significant boost to his career.
On May 6, 2025, the highly anticipated match against De Alboran unfolded. Unfortunately for Zeppieri, the contest did not go as planned. He was defeated by the American in a tightly contested match that ended with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. The match was a rollercoaster, with Zeppieri showing promise by taking the second set but ultimately succumbing to De Alboran's consistent play in the final set.
After the match, Zeppieri expressed his frustration, saying, "I had my chances, especially in the second set, but I let them slip away. I need to learn from this experience and come back stronger." The young Italian's journey in the tournament may have ended, but his determination and potential remain evident.
As the dust settled on the first rounds of qualifications, the tournament continued to showcase a mix of emerging talents and seasoned professionals. The fans at Foro Italico were treated to a thrilling display of tennis, and while not all Italian hopes advanced, the spirit of competition was alive and well.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the main draw of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, where top players from around the world will vie for the coveted title. The tournament is renowned for its challenging conditions and rich history, drawing in fans and players alike.
With Jannik Sinner, the world number one, also competing, the excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable. Sinner's return to the courts adds an extra layer of intrigue as he aims to defend his title and continue his ascent in the tennis world.
As for Zeppieri, this experience at the Foro Italico serves as a valuable lesson in resilience and growth. The young Italian has shown that he can compete at a high level, and with continued hard work and determination, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the ATP tour in the future.
While the qualifications may have come to an end for Zeppieri and Di Sarra, their journeys are far from over. The future of Italian tennis looks promising, with a new generation of players ready to rise through the ranks and take on the world.
