BERGAMO/STARNBERG, November 17, 2025
Andrea Guerrieri’s story writes itself—and begins in Correggio, the same hometown as Italian rock legend Luciano Ligabue. Known for his music and recently spotted at the ATP Finals, Ligabue also has quiet ties to tennis: “I’d see him sometimes when he brought his son to the club in Correggio,” Guerrieri recalls.
Now 27 and full of belief, Guerrieri has qualified for the main draw of the Internazionali di Bergamo – Trofeo FAIP-Perrel presented by Intesa Sanpaolo & Sarco Lexus, earning his seventh career Challenger main draw entry. Every single one has come through qualifying—no wild cards, no shortcuts. After a tough start against hometown player Leonardo Malgaroli, he surged past experienced Alexey Vatutin with an impressive 6–2, 6–4 performance.
“I knew what to expect,” Guerrieri said. “I had to bring intensity and take control whenever possible—and I did that for most of the match.”
Despite ranking No. 573, Guerrieri belongs to that group of players capable of showing a high level yet still fighting for stability and resources. He often supplements his schedule with Open tournaments to finance his international career. “There are so many expenses in tennis. With my ranking, I often have to play ITF events with no hospitality, and costs increase. But I feel I can give much more and reach a higher level. Becoming a consistent Challenger player would be a major step, both technically and financially.”
Building Consistency
Guerrieri grew up playing on indoor hard courts in Correggio—his preferred surface “for the match of my life”—before training in Reggio Emilia and eventually moving to the renowned Tennis Training School in Foligno. In Bergamo, he is supported by coach Riccardo Maiga, a former World No. 695, whose commitment reflects the belief behind the project.
“I feel I can reach a very high level. My coaches and I share the same vision. I’ve shown great things, but I’ve sometimes lacked consistency. Still, I’m convinced I can make a big breakthrough at any moment.”
A solid and well-rounded player, he knows exactly where the margin lies compared to the world’s best. “From what I’ve seen, the difference between the top 100 and the rest is their ability to handle key moments. You can play even until 5–5, but then they raise their level. They deliver their best shots without hesitation.”
This season, Guerrieri has already captured his first professional titles in Ljubljana and Offenbach, proving his momentum. Next, he will face Billy Harris, aiming for his second career Challenger main draw victory—fittingly against the same opponent he beat last year in Francavilla al Mare.
Ten Italians in Action on Super Tuesday
Michele Ribecai also qualified, defeating Spain’s Sergio Callejon Hernando in two tight sets. With their success, twelve Italians will feature in the Bergamo main draw. Monday brought the withdrawal of Marco Cecchinato due to a right elbow issue, meaning Francesco Passaro will now debut against Ribecai.
Tuesday promises a packed Italian schedule, with ten players competing. The marquee match at 20:00 sees last year’s finalist Francesco Maestrelli take on Emil Ruusuvuori, formerly ranked No. 37 in the world. Top seed Shintaro Mochizuki will also debut against lucky loser Federico Arnaboldi, while Andrea Pellegrino, Fabio Andaloro, and wild cards Lorenzo Sciahbasi, Fausto Tabacco, and Pierluigi Basile are all set to compete.
