TODI/STARNBERG, August 14, 2025
Two familiar names of Italian tennis will feature in the last eight of the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Todi | CERgo Tennis Cup. On Wednesday, Stefano Travaglia won an all-Italian clash against Jacopo Vasamì 6-4, 6-3 in the afternoon session, while Marco Cecchinato closed the day with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Alexey Vatutin in front of a packed crowd on the Centre Court of Tennis Club Todi 1971.
In an era where Italy’s new generation is making waves, Travaglia proved that experience still counts. The former World No. 60 produced a commanding performance to book his place in the quarterfinals.
“I played well from the start, coming on court with good feelings and great energy,” said the sixth seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 75 event. “My serve made the difference and gave me that small advantage in the first exchanges, so I’m very happy.”
Currently ranked No. 233, Travaglia has enjoyed a solid week in Todi, earning wins over promising young players. “I know Jacopo’s qualities — he plays great tennis and has a bright future. There are so many young guys coming up, and for me it’s nice to still be here competing.”
The Ascoli native also reflected on his long-standing connection with Cecchinato, who later sealed his own spot in the quarterfinals: “Marco and I have shared so many moments, both as doubles partners and opponents. We’re two professionals with a strong work ethic, and we’ve both had to overcome injuries. We share that drive to always be on court at 100 per cent.”
Cecchinato: Emotional Edge in Victory
Palermo’s Cecchinato battled through a tough encounter with Russia’s Vatutin, sealing the win in just over two hours.
A winning finish.
Marco takes down Vatutin and books his spot in the quarterfinals at the Todi Challenger. #tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger #CERgoTennisCup pic.twitter.com/jjf9Z5b12d— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 13, 2025
“Alexey is a very tricky player with powerful acceleration,” said the former World No. 16. “In the second set I had chances to close it earlier but couldn’t. Then in the third I recovered well. I’m happy because I found something special emotionally.”
Cecchinato credited his close-knit team for keeping him on track. “It’s not easy to manage me, but I’m glad I have people who can. My cousin Francesco Palpacelli and my fitness coach Luca Franco are here — Francesco practically put a racket in my hand. It’s great to have them by my side.”
The Sicilian has a rich history with the Todi tournament, reaching the semifinals in 2015 and 2016 and the final in 2017. “I have beautiful memories here, especially that final against Federico Delbonis eight years ago, but also many other good results. For now, I’m focused on the quarterfinal, then we’ll see what happens.”
WEDNESDAY RESULTS
Second Round Singles
Gianmarco Ferrari (Q) d. Facundo Juarez (Q) 6-4, 6-4
Timofey Skatov (SE) d. Filippo Romano (LL) 3-6, 6-0, 6-4
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer (3) d. Matheus Pucinelli De Almeida 7-6(2), 3-0 ret.
Valentin Vacherot (7) d. Francesco Forti (PR) 6-4, 6-2
Stefano Travaglia (6) d. Jacopo Vasamì (WC) 6-4, 6-3
Lukas Neumayer (4) d. Carlos Sanchez Jover 6-4, 7-5
Order Of Play / Thursday 14 August
Alle 20:30 Stefano Travaglia affronterà Lukas Neumayer nella sessione serale.
’ | #tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/vm6vuolZvJ
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 13, 2025
