Matteo Arnaldi captures Cagliari crown, Alejandro Tabilo wins second Aix title

The Sardegna Open finally has an Italian champion. After previous wins by Frenchman Ugo Humbert and Mariano Navone from Argentina, it was Matteo Arnaldi who lifted the trophy on the clay courts of the Tennis Club Cagliari, marking a significant milestone in his career.

The 25-year-old from Sanremo defeated former Top 10 player Hubert Hurkacz from Poland 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s final, capturing his fifth ATP Challenger title—and the most prestigious one yet. It was a perfect end to a week in which Arnaldi rediscovered his rhythm, confidence, and physical condition after struggling with a persistent foot injury.

In front of a sold-out crowd on Centre Court, Arnaldi showed resilience and tactical intelligence. He had to come from behind in both sets but responded immediately each time, neutralizing Hurkacz’s power with consistent returns and smart variation. The key to his victory was preventing the Pole from building momentum, breaking back instantly whenever he fell behind. When Arnaldi took the lead himself, Hurkacz was unable to respond.

The decisive moment came at 4-3 in the second set, when Hurkacz had his last real chance to turn the match around. Arnaldi held firm and then served out the match to love, sealing the victory with a forehand winner and a roar of relief.

“It was a special tournament,” said Arnaldi, who earned €43,635 in prize money as well as 175 ATP Ranking points. “I arrived with a lot of doubts because of my foot, but I felt better day by day. In the last two days, I had no pain at all. The final was definitely my best match of the week. I was very solid and really happy with my level against such an experienced and dangerous opponent. This title gives me a lot of confidence.”

Tabilo triumphs in Aix again

Meanwhile in Southern France, the Open Aix Provence Crédit Agricole concluded its 13th edition with a final worthy of the record-breaking week. In front of a packed Center Court and an electric atmosphere, No. 2 seed Alejandro Tabilo of Chile defeated third-seeded Belgian Zizou Bergs in a high-level clash, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

With a total of 30,000 spectators attending throughout the week, the ATP Challenger 175 tournament confirmed its status as one of the premier clay-court events in France. The Aix crowd was treated to a thrilling final between two Top 50 players, with Bergs entering as world No. 44 and Tabilo ranked No. 43.

Tabilo withstood nine aces and broke his rival’s serve three times to secure victory in two hours and 18 minutes. The 28-year-old earned his seventh ATP Challenger career title, his second in Aix following his triumph in 2024.

“It was a very tough match,” Tabilo said afterwards. “Zizou serves very well, he’s extremely solid and mentally strong. I really like playing in Aix-en-Provence. I already won here two years ago. It’s a place where I feel comfortable. I came here to earn points, and this week has given me a lot of confidence.”

Tournament director Clément expressed his satisfaction with the 2026 edition, highlighting both the sporting quality and the unique atmosphere. “The overall outcome is extremely positive. We delivered high-quality tennis from start to finish,” he said. “This edition stood out for the closeness between the players, with many tight matches. The final had everything you love about tennis: a close contest, two exemplary players, and great sportsmanship.”