Matteo Arnaldi, winning debut in Shanghai

When the draw is not hostile to him – as is often the case in Slam tournaments – Matteo Arnaldi rarely encounters difficulties in his debut. In 2025, the first rounds almost never created problems for him: the pitfalls, for the San Remo player, came later, costing him a few unexpected defeats and a ranking fluctuating between the top 30 and the top 40, up to the current world No. 73 position.

Also in Shanghai, the rule was confirmed. In his Masters 1000 debut, Arnaldi overcame Japanese qualifier Sakamoto (No.190) with a score of 7-6(3) 6-4, signing his 20th win of the season and gaining access to the second round, where Alejandro Davidovich Fokina awaits.

The success, however, was not only a result of the first round, but also of the second round.

The success, however, did not come without swings. Ahead 4-1 and then 5-2 in the first set, Arnaldi let himself be caught up until the tie-break, which he conducted with authority, however. In the second partial, however, it was Sakamoto who waned, partly due to physical problems that limited his incisiveness, allowing the Italian to close in two sets.

The numbers tell of a positive match: 90% of points won with the first serve, 12 winners against 9 free errors and 7 break points built. Encouraging signs, but to be consolidated against an opponent of a completely different caliber such as Davidovich Fokina, against whom Arnaldi leads 2-1 in the previous matches (1-1 in 2025, both on cement).

The margin for growth remains to be consolidated.

The margin for growth remains wide. It will be up to Arnaldi to turn this good foundation into continuity, to revive a ranking that still does not fully reflect his potential.