BERGAMO/STARNBERG, June 29, 2025
Had they played a few more points, they would have crossed the four-hour mark. Gianmarco Ferrari and Alessandro Pecci delivered the longest final in the history of the Trofeo TNB Azimut Investimenti ITF World Tennis Tour M15 clay-court event in Bergamo on Sunday. Fortunately for the Tuscan and to the (sporting) despair of the Romagnol, Ferrari claimed another small record: he won 4–6, 7–6, 7–6 after saving a staggering seven match points in a grueling, fiercely contested match played under a blazing sun with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F).
What made the battle even more remarkable was the physical level: neither player showed any signs of fatigue, maintaining a high intensity right until the final point. In the end, it all came down to details – and they were all on Ferrari’s side. Now training in Rome with coaches Francesco Aldi and Giuseppe Fischetti, the player from Prato overcame a shaky service game in the 10th game of the first set, which handed Pecci the lead. From that moment on, there were no more breaks in a physically and mentally exhausting match, filled with punishing baseline exchanges. Ferrari looked to dictate, but Pecci more than held his own.
The first pivotal moment came at 6–5 in the second set, with Ferrari serving and Pecci holding three match points. The Romagnol will surely rue the first one — a routine return that landed meters long — while Ferrari played two phenomenal points to save the other two. In the tiebreak, the Tuscan surged ahead 6–3, Pecci clawed back, but a costly double fault at 6–6 handed momentum back to Ferrari, who closed it out.
Anyone expecting a collapse in the third set was sorely mistaken. The level remained sky-high, with no break points once again. It all came down to a wild and emotional final tiebreak. Ferrari made a couple of unforced errors and Pecci, nearly two meters tall, hit an ace to go up 6–2, earning four more match points. But then the tension got the better of him: a tightened arm, a couple of rushed mistakes, and Ferrari was right back in it. After saving all four match points, Ferrari had one chance of his own – and took it, as Pecci hit a forehand long on the 16th point of the breaker. With that, Ferrari claimed his third career title, and his first in three years. A long, guttural scream followed the final point, the emotional release of a marathon triumph.
Ferrari’s Renewed Energy
“I had never won a match after saving seven match points,” said a visibly drained Ferrari after the match. “At one point, it became purely mental. I wasn’t thinking about the score anymore — I just kept fighting. The goal was to have just a bit more energy in the key moments. It worked out today, but it easily could’ve gone the other way.”
A former World No. 387, Ferrari will turn 25 in October and is looking to rebound after a couple of challenging years. “I changed coaches twice, and I didn’t feel mentally at ease,” he explained. “Last year, I had a back injury that kept me off the court for four to five months. It was tough to get back into rhythm, but now I feel better on court. I’ve got more energy and I manage it better.”
Given how physically demanding this week has been — four three-set matches — it’s safe to say Ferrari’s fitness is back on track. “This win gives me a lot of confidence, but honestly, I would have left satisfied even if I had lost. I’m coming off a good stretch, and just three weeks ago I reached the final in Caltanissetta. Winning breeds winning. As for my goals, we’re working month to month with my team, trying to play as many matches as possible to build a solid foundation. Of course, I’d love to get back to my career-high ranking — but hopefully, as a new starting point.”
A Record-Setting Final and a Bright Future for Bergamo Tennis
And so the ninth edition of the Trofeo TNB Azimut Investimenti ends with a record-breaking final. During the trophy ceremony, TNB Azimut top executives Fabio Arioldi and Riccardo Maffiuletti confirmed their commitment to the event with a continued sponsorship. Equally reassuring were the words of Marcella Messina, Bergamo’s city councilor for social policy, health, longevity, and sport, who reaffirmed the support of the city for both this event, organized by Silvana Carrara, and the ATP Challenger tournament in November.
After a one-year relocation to Rovereto, the 20th edition of the ATP Challenger Bergamo will return home later this year, held at the brand-new Chorus Life complex. The move marks a significant milestone for one of the longest-running events at this level.
Next year, the Trofeo TNB Azimut will celebrate its tenth anniversary and continues to serve as the symbolic opener to Bergamo’s summer tennis season — a tradition that is set to carry on well into the future.
