Mattia Bellucci Stuns Daniil Medvedev With Historic Upset at Rotterdam Open
Mattia Bellucci, the Italian qualifier ranked No. 92, made headlines at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam by delivering one of the biggest upsets of his young career, defeating defending champion Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3. The match, filled with intense rallies and dramatic moments, not only showcased Bellucci's rising talent but also sparked conversations about the future of Medvedev, who has struggled early this season.
Though Medvedev had recently returned to form by overcoming veteran Stan Wawrinka, entering the Rotterdam tournament ranked seventh after previously holding the World No. 1 title, the Russian was unprepared for the ferocity and confidence of his opponent. Bellucci, coming straight from qualifying rounds, carried momentum following his earlier victory over Dutch wildcard Mees Rottgering.
The match began with Bellucci asserting his dominance from the outset, clinching the first set 6-3. His aggressive style was highlighted by bold shots and strategic plays, displaying no signs of intimidation facing the more seasoned player. "I was going for the serve and volley which is not something I’m used to doing but it worked pretty good today," Bellucci admitted after the match, highlighting his unexpected but effective game plan.
Midway through the second set, the tension escalated. During what would become the match’s pivotal moment, Bellucci fired an aggressive shot directly at Medvedev during a tense net exchange at 4-5, 30-30. Although Bellucci raised his hand apologetically, many speculated whether such tactics crossed the line of sportsmanship. This incident, along with another high-velocity shot directed at Medvedev earlier, stoked debates about the ethical dimensions of such plays. Some fans praised Bellucci's audacity, pointing out the rules didn't prohibit his strategy, but others viewed it as unnecessarily provocative.
Despite the friction, Medvedev managed to fight back, forcing the second set to a tie-break where he narrowly claimed victory 7-6(6). Bellucci, displaying remarkable resilience, regained his composure quickly, launching himself forward with solid ground strokes and clever tactics. He capitalized on Medvedev’s frustrations during the deciding set, breaking serve at the most opportune moments and rallying through to clinch the match.
Bellucci's defining moment came with his crafty underarm serve, catching Medvedev off-guard and stunning spectators. “I really tried to enjoy every minute of it. I wanted to be myself, and I saw him far back,” Bellucci explained, underscoring his intent to balance competitiveness with self-expression on the court.
This victory marks Bellucci's first win over a Top 10 player and secures him his second ATP quarter-finals appearance at the young age of 23. With newfound confidence, Bellucci is set to face either sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, aiming to capitalize on his stunning success against Medvedev.
For Medvedev, the loss adds another layer of concern to what has been a turbulent start to 2025. Having exited the Australian Open early and lost out once more at Rotterdam, observers question his current form and future direction. "Slow courts, slow balls, but it’s not new. I don’t have enough power in these conditions to dictate the game," he lamented, grappling with the challenges posed by the playing surface and his own performance.
Despite speculation around the possibility of retirement—given his mixed results and current ranking—Medvedev firmly stated, "I’m going to continue playing till I can do it," indicative of his determination to reclaim his previous level of play.
This match not only signifies Bellucci’s rise but also serves as a wakeup call for Medvedev, who must adapt to the continually intensifying competition. The younger players on the ATP tour, like Bellucci, are ready to challenge established stars, ensuring the sport remains vibrant and unpredictable.
Looking forward, Bellucci will seek to build on his success as he progresses through the tournament, with eyes set on making his mark against formidable opponents. Meanwhile, Medvedev, with bases to cover, will need to reassess his strategies and potentially adjust his coaching team to navigate the hurdles and reclaim his stature among the elite.
The Rotterdam Open match will likely remain etched in tennis history as the scene of Bellucci's rise and Medvedev's unexpected vulnerability. With the curtain rising on the next phase of both players' journeys, the tennis world will be watching closely.