Internazionali d’Italia, bitter debut for Sonego: Burruchaga eliminates him in two sets

The Italians’ path in the men’s draw at the Internazionali d’Italia began with a defeat. Lorenzo Sonego, a Turin-based tennis player and the first Italian to take the court in the main draw, was eliminated in the first round by Argentine Román Burruchaga with a score of 6-2, 6-3. It was an underwhelming performance by the Italian, who never managed to find rhythm and confidence throughout the match, giving way to an inspired and solid opponent in key moments.

Burruchaga, son of former soccer player Jorge, showed personality from the very first exchanges, taking advantage of Sonego’s indecisions on serve and in groundstrokes. The Italian, already in the first set, suffered from the Argentine’s pressure, suffering a double break that steered the partial in favor of the South American. Despite a timid attempt to react, the first set ended 6-2 with Burruchaga in total control.

In the second set Sonego tried to shake off, but any attempt at a comeback was nipped in the bud by a tidy and cynical opponent. After conceding serve again, the Turinese showed a few flashes of his best tennis, even managing to snatch a break, but it was too little to reopen the match. Too many free errors, especially with the forehand, and flawless nervous management doomed the Italian player.

Burruchaga thus earns a place in the second round, where he will face Russia’s Karen Khachanov, in a match that promises spectacle. For Sonego, however, a bitter disappointment in front of the Foro Italico audience, which was hoping for a different start to the Italian’s Roman adventure.

A defeat to be thoroughly analyzed, in the hope of regaining condition and continuity soon.