Back from wrist surgery, Giulio Zeppieri is eyeing greater heights on the ATP Challenger Tour

A year after being forced to retire mid-match against Martin Klizan at the Emilia-Romagna Tennis Cup, Giulio Zeppieri is back on tour with renewed focus and determination.

The 23-year-old from Rome, once ranked as high as world No. 110, says he is working hard to rebuild his momentum after a long injury layoff.

“It was my last tournament before my wrist surgery,” Zeppieri recalled, speaking in Sassulo last week, one year removed from his serious injury. “I felt the pain already at Roland Garros, but I tried to play a couple more tournaments. It didn’t work out, but my team helped me during my time off the court.”

The left-hander, nicknamed "Zeppo,” now trains in Vicenza under Massimo Sartori, the former coach of Andreas Seppi. He also travels with coach Tommaso Castagnola and has recently started working with a new physiotherapist.

“Since my surgery I have also started to work with a new physio, who did a good job. My wrist is OK, and I can play. Obviously, this was my first goal of the season.”

Born in Rome, Zeppieri earned his first ATP ranking point at just 16 and quickly rose through the ranks; he hit his career-high of No. 110 in early 2024 after a second-round effort at the Australian Open as a qualifier. His junior career was also impressive, reaching the semifinals of both singles and doubles at the 2019 Australian Open alongside fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti.

As his comeback has continued to take shape, Zeppieri was thrust into the spotlight in Paris, where he faced world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the first round of Roland Garros.

“I always played well in Paris. I played there four times in a row and never lost in qualifying,” he said. “Obviously, the match against Carlos was very tough. I didn’t have a chance, but it was nice to play on a big court, which is also good for my mindset.”

Reflecting on the fact that junior success doesn't always transate to professional tennis, Zeppieri said: “It’s almost a different sport, physically but also on the mental part. At junior level, you still have chances to win even if you don’t play your best tennis. On the pro circuit, this becomes really difficult. You have to stay focused through the entire match and not give your opponent any room.”

Benefits of being Italian

Despite recent setbacks, Zeppieri remains positive about Italian tennis and the strong support system behind it.

“A lot of players of my age worked really hard. The federation in Italy does a good job. They give us wild cards, provide us with coaches and physios. This is key. It’s also important to have so many ATP Challengers in Italy. It gives you a chance to play at different levels right from the start.”

That support continues today.

“Yes, of course,” Zeppieri affirmed. “I received wild cards into the Challenger in Perugia and Sassuolo, for example. They also supported me after my surgery and tried all they could do. I am really glad about this.”

As for his game, Zeppieri describes himself as an offensive player.

“The volley is probably not my best shot,” he admitted, “but I try to work on it. I play with a lot of spin with my forehand, which isn’t ideal on indoor hard courts, although I did win a Challenger in Cherbourg. I also like grass. I think being a lefty is an advantage. Right-handers don’t play that often against lefties.”

Eyes back on the Top 150

To return to his prior position, his tournament schedule remains packed.

“I will play the qualifying at Wimbledon and will return to clay afterwards,” he said. “I still have the chance to use my protected ranking and will probably play the ATP events in Umag and Bastad to gain some points.”

How does preparation for the grass look like?

“I don’t prepare for the grass,” he laughed. “One big player told me that you don’t need to. He said you just have to play as fast as you can.”

Off the court, Zeppieri keeps things balanced. He enjoys video games, spending time with his girlfriend, and catching up with his family near Rome. A proud supporter of AS Roma, he also follows snooker, having idolized Ronnie O’Sullivan alongside his childhood tennis hero Roger Federer.

Looking ahead, Zeppieri has clear goals.

“I want to get back into the Top 150 and be seeded in the qualifying of the Australian Open," he said. "Now it’s important for me to get rhythm, playing as many tournaments as possible and enjoy spending my time on the court.”