BERGAMO/STARNBERG, November 23, 2025
Francesco Maestrelli turned last year’s tears when he finished runner-up to Luca Nardi into triumph, as he claimed the title at the Internazionali di Bergamo – Trofeo FAIP, delivering what was arguably the finest tennis of his career. The 21-year-old Italian not only banished his indoor-hard-court doubts but also displayed the perfect balance of aggression and consistency to defeat the gritty Marko Topo of Germany 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 and secure the fourth ATP Challenger title of his career, his third of 2025.
The win will lift Maestrelli to a new career-high Ranking of World No. 138, a milestone underlining the quality of his run in Bergamo. More importantly, he showcased remarkable composure after losing the second set, shaking off a stretch of confusion and coming out firing in the decider. The turning point came in the second game of the third set: Topo squandered a 30-0 lead with an easy missed passing shot, and Maestrelli seized the moment, reading the heavy serves of his opponent with impressive regularity. From there, he never looked back. A double fault from Topo gifted the Italian a 5-1 lead, and after some final tense points, Maestrelli sealed victory in one hour and 45 minutes with a closing volley before dropping to his knees in celebration.
Francesco Maestrelli captures the fourth Challenger title of his career and his first on hard court#ATPChallenger | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/PSR0gA3XZM
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 23, 2025
“I was very nervous at the start, but thankfully I got off on the right foot,” Maestrelli said. “Then he raised his level and there was a moment of confusion. But I’m very happy with how I finished. The key was aggression – when Marko controls the game, he’s devastating. I couldn’t let him take command.”
“Winning in front of such a crowd is a dream”
Aside from a lapse in the second set, Maestrelli executed his tactical plan to perfection. The victory marks his best version yet. “I do feel more complete than one or two years ago, but I’m still a work in progress,” he admitted. “There’s a lot to improve: my forehand can get better, my serve can be even more dangerous, and even though my return has improved, there’s more to do. This win gives me huge confidence.”
The triumph carries extra weight given his self-perception as a clay-court player. Winning indoors, conditions he once considered psychologically challenging, made the week even more meaningful.
The final was played in a stirring atmosphere inside the ChorusLife Arena, which was filled with about 2,500 spectators. Maestrelli had won tournaments before, but never in an environment of this magnitude. “It’s an incredible feeling. I can’t even describe it,” he said. “I tried not to look around too much or the emotion would have overwhelmed me. Winning at home in front of so many people was a dream.”
The post-match celebrations included Bergamo’s iconic tradition: the lap around the court on the electric bicycle, a ritual known to bring good fortune to tournament champions. Maestrelli’s win adds the seventh Italian title in the event’s history, reinforcing Italy’s status as the most successful nation at the FAIP-Perrel Trophy.
A curious footnote: when the rankings update on Monday, Maestrelli will stand at No. 1 in the ATP Race 2026, as Bergamo offered the most points among that week’s Challenger events.
ATP honors the tournament’s 20th edition
The day began with an emotional opening ceremony highlighted by a special ATP award commemorating the 20th edition of the Internazionali di Bergamo. ATP Challenger representative Margaux Delfini presented a plaque to tournament director Marco Fermi, praising the event’s long-standing commitment to player development.
“Investing in Challenger events means investing in the future of tennis,” she said. Marcella Messina, Bergamo’s Councillor for Social Policies, Sport, and Longevity, also attended, reaffirming the city’s support and emphasizing the social value of the event.
