It currently looks like we are entering a golden age for Italian men’s tennis. It is of course Jannik Sinner, world #1 and now a three-time Grand Slam champion, who is leading the way, but almost every week one of his compatriot’s seems to be making a deep run and this past week was no exception with Mattia Bellucci, the inventive left-hander, reaching the last four in Rotterdam.
The 23-year-old Italian, who came into the week having just achieved a career-high ranking of world #92, had the week of his life in the Netherlands with back-to-back wins over Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas the standout highlights. Both wins were hugely impressive, with Bellucci untroubled by his opponents’ exalted status as he beat Medvedev 6-3 6-7 6-3 in a three-set thriller and Tsitsipas comprehensively 6-4 6-2.
When he got to the semifinals, Alex de Minaur’s consistency and elite defence saw Bellucci’s great week come to a crashing halt as fell to a 1-6 2-6 defeat. Not for the first time, de Minaur suffocated his opponent – drawing seemingly needless errors by making Bellucci feel like he needed to paint lines. Bellucci also looked to be struggling with fatigue having played six matches in Rotterdam after starting his week in the qualifying. But as disappointing as his defeat to de Minaur was, it is likely to be a valuable learning experience for Bellucci as he looks to build on his efforts in Rotterdam.
Tennis fans will certainly be hoping that Bellucci can continue to progress up the rankings. The Italian is an enjoyable player to watch, pairing his creativity with a willingness to fight for every point. He is such a versatile player burning with energy as well as being unpredictable, brave, and incredibly fast. Bellucci stands just 5’9″ which may put a ceiling on his career, but if he is able to maximise the other aspects of his game there is no reason that he cannot establish himself as a regular presence in the top 50.
He started this week ranked #92 but this run has moved him to #68 in the live rankings. Now in the top 70 he can gain direct entry into more ATP tournaments and hopefully move up the rankings. For now though, once the frustration of his defeat to de Minaur fades, Bellucci will be able to look back at a week of hard work in Rotterdam with real pride.
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
