At the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Todi, former world number 16 Marco Cecchinato opened his campaign with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Nick Hardt, maintaining control of the match in front of the crowd at the Tennis Club Todi 1971, according to tournament reports.
Cecchinato entered the ATP Challenger 75 event seeking a strong finish to a season that has already featured two Challenger finals. Last year, the Palermo native reached the tournament’s quarterfinals before bowing out. This week’s Sidernestor Tennis Cup, organized by MEF Tennis Events, brings together a competitive field on the Umbrian clay, where Cecchinato relies on both his extensive tour experience and a long-standing personal affinity for the local venue.
The opening day of the main draw also featured a domestic clash between Italian competitors. Filippo Romano advanced past Massimo Giunta in straight sets, posting a decisive 6-2, 6-2 victory to secure his place in the next round.
On the Campo Centrale, Czech prospect Maxim Mrva survived a demanding three-set battle against Pierluigi Basile, closing out a 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 win. The encounter between the two 2007-born players spanned 2 hours and 46 minutes of extended baseline rallies, testing the physical conditioning and tactical patience of both teenagers against high-tempo shot-making.
Tournament play continues through the week at the Tennis Club Todi 1971 facilities, with subsequent rounds determining who advances toward the late-stage weekend matches.
Related reading
