In the midst of breakthrough runs by the likes of Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner in recent years, another Italian player has also enjoyed his fair share of success.
Lorenzo Sonego didn’t crack the world’s top 100 until the tender age of 24 back in 2019 and has remained in the top section ever since. He has come agonizingly close to a place in the world’s top 20, peaking at a high on No.21 earlier this year. So far in his career, Sonego has won three ATP titles with the most recent of those occurring at the Metz Open last month when he defeated Alexander Bublik in the final.
Ubitennis caught up with Sonego earlier this week before he played his first round match in Florence against Bernabe Zapata Miralles which he lost 6-4, 6-4.
Scanagatta: Lorenzo, today you are around No. 50 in the world, but you were No. 21. What about getting back to where you were?
Sonego: “For sure I will try to do my best to get back to the ranking I occupied at the beginning of the year. I’m getting some good results and I’m very happy. Now I’m in Florence, in top shape, ready to take advantage of the public’s support.”
Scanagatta: In Florence you played a Challenger, I saw you play. That’s when you really started your rise.
Sonego: “It’s always nice to be in this city, I like it and it fascinates me so much. I can’t wait to be on court.”
Scanagatta: You are one of the few Italian players who beat Djokovic. Has this result affected your life and career? Have you ever thought that if you can beat him you can beat anyone?
Sonego: “Such a thought never crossed my mind, but it was an unforgettable moment that I will remember all my life. At home I’ve got the poster of that match in my room. It doesn’t happen often that you beat Djokovic, in fact the next time we played, in Rome, I lost. But a victory like this is every boy’s dream and I was lucky to fulfil it.”
Scanagatta: Was your Italian Open 2021 the best tournament of your career or are your best memories related to the tournaments you won?
Sonego: “Coming back home with a trophy is something really special. But that tournament in Rome was definitely special, I beat two players ranked in the top ten and I played with Djokovic on his same level.”
Scanagatta: You are super-sponsored, are the sponsors battling to win you over?
Sonego: “Let’s not exaggerate, I must stay grounded. Indeed Valmora has been backing me for a long time, since I started playing… It really helped me to have them by my side to get to this level. Surely at home you only drink Valmora!”
Scanagatta: Have you had a look at the draw?
Sonego: “Yes, I’ll be making my debut with Zapata…”
Scanagatta: “Oka. And then? He is No. 80 and you are 50…”
Sonego: “It doesn’t work that way. Otherwise I would never have beaten Djokovic… Then I would have Musetti, but in every match you can win or lose against anyone.”
