OLBIA/STARNBERG, October 13, 2025

Main draw action at the Olbia Challenger got underway on Monday, lighting up the courts of the Tennis Club Terranova. It was a strong day for the Italians, with Michele Ribecai and local favorite Lorenzo Carboni successfully qualifying for the main draw of the ATP Challenger Tour 125 hard-court event in Sardinia. Ribecai cruised past Christoph Negritu 6-3, 6-2, while Carboni staged a stunning comeback to edge Szymon Kielan 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).

The main draw also opened with notable wins for Luka Pavlovic, who struck 10 aces in his 7-6(4), 6-3 triumph over Alexis Galarneau, and Hugo Grenier, who battled back to defeat Nishesh Basavareddy 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 after more than two hours on court. The day was set to close with the highly anticipated match between Stefano Travaglia and Luca Van Assche.

Carboni’s Comeback Ignites the Crowd

It was a rollercoaster for Sardinian teenager Lorenzo Carboni, who found himself down 2-5 in the third set against Kielan before rallying in dramatic fashion, fueled by the passionate support of the Cloto Arena crowd. “I have to thank the people who supported me until the very end,” said the World No. 442. “It’s mostly thanks to them that I was able to turn it around. I never stopped believing, even when it looked tough. When the chance came, I went all in.”

Adding to the emotion, his parents were in the stands. “Mum and Dad are here — they drove three hours to watch me play, and winning in front of them is really special,” he said. Carboni now faces top seed Alejandro Tabilo in the opening round. “The ranking is just a number. Playing someone of his level is a great opportunity to see where I stand. I’ll give everything to try and win.”

Ribecai Reaches First Challenger Main Draw

Alongside Carboni, 21-year-old Michele Ribecai from Lucca also booked his spot in the main draw. The 2003-born Italian, who recently reached two finals non the ITF World Tennis Tour in Sardinia, defeated Negritu in straight sets to secure his first-ever Challenger main draw appearance. He will face experienced Serbian Dusan Lajovic in the opening round.

Dreamy tournament for Michele

Ribecai defeata Negritu (6-3 6-2) to clinch his first main draw Challenger #tennis #OlbiaChallenger #ATPChallenger #Olbia #Sardegna pic.twitter.com/wVQSGYsZc8

— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 13, 2025

French Success in Main Draw

France also enjoyed a strong start: Luka Pavlovic and Hugo Grenier both claimed victories to advance to the second round. Pavlovic served 10 aces to dispatch Galarneau in straight sets, while Grenier rallied from a set down to overcome Basavareddy.

MONDAY RESULTS

Main Draw – First Round
Luka Pavlovic def. Alexis Galarneau 7-6(4), 6-3
Hugo Grenier def. Nishesh Basavareddy (4) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2

Qualifying – Final Round
Clement Tabur (1) def. Maks Kasnikowski (10) 6-4, 6-2
Tom Paris (2) def. Matthew William Donald 6-3, 6-4
Daniil Glinka (3/Alt.) def. Enrico Dalla Valle (8) 6-4, 6-4
Michele Ribecai (9) def. Christoph Negritu (4) 6-3, 6-2
Norbert Gombos (5) def. Arthur Reymond (11) 6-4, 6-4
Lorenzo Carboni (7) def. Szymon Kielan (Alt.) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5)

Order of Play | Tuesday 14 October pic.twitter.com/BTEuALin3X

— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 13, 2025