The Italian qualification Mattia Bellucci amazed the former world number one Daniil Medvedev in three difficult sets on Wednesday to reach the quarter -finals of Rotterdam ATP.
The 23-year-old left-hander, playing on a 92 career ranking, went through 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 to record a first victory over an opponent Top 10.
“It was a three -hour match and I really enjoyed every moment. I really tried to do my best. I’m quite tired but I’m happy,” said Bellucci.
“I was going for the service and the volley, which is not something I used to do, but it worked well today.”
Bellucci held his nerve in the decision -maker, where he saved six breaking points, after wasting a match point in the second set with the 2023 champion in Rotterdam.
The Italian, who also reached the last eight in Atlanta in 2024, will then play the sixth seeded Stefanos Tsisipas or the Dutch Tallon Griekspoor for a place in the semi-finals.
Former US Open Medvedev champion ranked seven in the world, had beaten the veteran Stan Wawrinka in the first round, but had trouble at the start of 2025 after losing in the second round of Australian Open last month .
DJ / NR
