Thiago Wild is on the brink of making a significant return to the ATP Masters 1000 circuit after a strong performance in the qualifying rounds at the Masters 1000 in Rome. On May 5, 2025, the Brazilian player faced off against local favorite Pierluigi Basile, a young talent ranked 823rd in the world, and emerged victorious with a commanding score of 6-2, 6-3. The match, which lasted just over an hour, showcased Wild's impressive serving, where he lost only eight points on his serve and did not face a single break point throughout the encounter.
Wild, currently ranked 120th, displayed a level of confidence that had been missing in his recent matches. This victory marked his first since early March, when he won a match at the Indian Wells Masters. “I felt good out there today. I was able to control the points and put pressure on my opponent,” Wild said after the match.
With this win, Wild advances to the final round of qualifying, where he will face Jesper de Jong, the fifth seed in the qualifying draw. De Jong is currently ranked 93rd and has been on a hot streak, having recently defeated João Fonseca in the Challenger event in Estoril. “It’s going to be a tough match,” Wild acknowledged. “I know he’s a strong player, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
The matchup against De Jong is particularly significant for Wild, as the Dutch player has a history of success against Brazilian opponents, having won all six previous encounters without dropping a set. The two will meet around 6:30 AM Brasilia time on May 6, 2025, in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
Meanwhile, the news wasn't as positive for fellow Brazilian Thiago Monteiro, who faced a grueling battle against Italian Federico Arnaboldi. Monteiro, ranked 106th, lost in a closely contested match that lasted over three hours, with final scores of 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-3. This defeat marks Monteiro's third consecutive loss on the ATP circuit, a disappointing streak for the talented player.
Monteiro fought hard, winning the second set after losing the first in a tiebreak, but ultimately succumbed to Arnaboldi's relentless pressure, which included breaking Monteiro's serve five times. “It was a tough match, and I had my chances, but I couldn’t convert when it mattered,” Monteiro reflected post-match. His last victory came in the preliminary round of the Madrid Masters, and he will be looking to turn his fortunes around soon.
In a further blow to Brazilian hopes at the tournament, Felipe Meligeni withdrew from the qualifying rounds due to a lower back injury sustained during training. Meligeni, who had been preparing to compete, announced his withdrawal on social media, stating, “It’s disappointing not to be able to play, but I need to focus on recovery and getting back to full fitness.” He aims to be ready for the qualifying rounds of Roland Garros starting on May 19, 2025.
The Masters 1000 in Rome is set to begin on May 7, 2025, and with Wild's victory, he is just one match away from joining João Fonseca in the main draw. Fonseca, who is the only Brazilian confirmed for the main event, is considered one of the rising stars of the Next Gen, and his performance will be closely watched.
The tournament will also feature Jannik Sinner, the world number one, making his much-anticipated return. Sinner's presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and fans will be eager to see how the young star performs alongside the likes of Wild and Fonseca.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Wild as he attempts to secure his place in the main draw. If he succeeds, it will mark a significant step in his quest to regain his form and confidence on the ATP tour. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the upcoming match against De Jong will be crucial for Wild's aspirations.
