The double dream of Bergamo

The field of participants in the FAIP-Perrel Trophy can be enhanced by Flavio Cobolli and Fabio Fognini: In both cases, the negotiations for a wildcard are well advanced. Samuel Vincent Ruggeri will also be at Italcementi, the first Bergamo player in the main draw after many years. The excitement of the 18th edition of a tournament that is slowly coming of age and is just waiting to unfold once it finds its final venue.

The coup came at the end of the conference and raised even more anticipation for the 18th edition of the FAIP-Perrel Trophy, which will take place from October 29th to November 5th and will be awarded at the Sala Galmozzi in the municipality of Bergamo. In addition to Samuel Vincent Ruggeri from Bergamo, negotiations are well advanced to award two wild cards to two top players: the very young Flavio Cobolli (born in 2002) and the expert Fabio Fognini (1987). Tournament director Marco Fermi spoke about it and was enthusiastic about the “coming of age” of a tournament that stands out in the (rich) panorama of Italian tournaments for its longevity as well as enthusiasm and public participation. 2023 will be a year of transition as it marks the move to the Italcementi Gym, which can accommodate 850 spectators, while it waits to find a permanent location and – perhaps – move up in category and prize money. On a technical level, however, there will be no transition, as the two potential stars join a field of some interest, led by Jack Draper, who, given his recent injury, will be present at the Davis Cup final, perhaps even as a protagonist (in Vienna ) by compatriot Daniel Evans. Then there’s Brandon Nakashima, defending champion at the Next Gen Finals, and a nice group of up-and-coming Italians. All eyes are on Giulio Zeppieri (current No. 128 ATP), who wants to emulate Cobolli and become the next Italian in the top 100, without forgetting Matteo Gigante and Francesco Passaro. Andrea Vavassori will not be missed, interpreter of Serve and Volley for connoisseurs. Without forgetting the star David Goffin, former world number 7 and finalist at the 2017 ATP Finals. But Challenger tournaments are fascinating because everyone has the chance to win, even the underdogs from the qualification.

FOGNINI & COBOLLI, EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH
The presence of Cobolli and Fognini would strengthen the players to make this edition one of the best in a story that began in 2006. And perhaps the dream of Giuseppe Magoni of FAIP, one of the two title sponsors since 2012, is beginning to germinate. I would really like it if someone from Bergamo won the tournament one day. The organizers gave him a double gift: the wildcard not only went to Vincent Ruggeri (current No. 363, his best placement), but the 21-year-old from Albino himself was present at the conference – very excited. “I will be enthusiastic, happy and excited to play in front of my people and will be honored by these expectations,” he said. “I’m the same age as Cobolli and Musetti: at the moment they’re ahead of me, but I’m working hard to bring them closer.” If Fognini needs no introduction (he was in the top 10, he is a pillar of Italian tennis), Cobolli is just the 47th Italian to make it into the ATP top 100 thanks to a very positive season. Among other things, he is almost certain to qualify for the Next Gen Finals 2023, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia starting this year.

A TEAM GAME
The event took place in the former headquarters of the Bergamo City Council, as recalled by the municipality’s sports councilor, Loredana Poli. “It is the tenth time out of eighteen editions that I have taken part in the presentation press conference: for us it is a great pleasure, because this tournament is particularly close to our hearts.” The players of the future pass through Bergamo: that is now a very clear connotation our event. “We are satisfied because we moved in time with the necessary change of location and arrived quietly on the eve of the appointment.” Great enthusiasm from Lara Magoni: The former champion in alpine skiing is currently Undersecretary of State for Sport and Youth in the Lombardy region: She recalled not only to the large number of tennis players in Italy, especially in Lombardy, but also highlighted the commitment of the sponsors, the FAIP and Perrel, which, as companies well rooted in the region, believe in and support the sport, making a tournament this Levels are so durable. “You could now call the FAIP-Perrel the Magoni tournament!” he joked, playing with his last name and that of the owners of the two sponsoring companies. As already mentioned, the main innovation off the pitch concerns logistics: the welcoming Italcementi gym has been brought into shape thanks also to the work of Bergamo Infrastrutture, represented by its president, the lawyer Attilio Baruffi. “What was historically the secondary field becomes the central one – he said – it was not easy because Marco Fermi is a volcano of ideas, always very demanding. But we always try to accommodate it because it guarantees a quality service and has always brought results, starting with an exceptional participation of the public.”: The tournament was created in 2006 at the initiative of ASD Olme Sport, run by its president Glauco Merelli was represented. In addition to greetings from Father Gabriele, co-founder of the tournament, he emphasized the longevity of the event. “I thank Fermi for the energy and strength with which he is moving forward, and all the people who make up a very large staff, including those who help us as sponsors and those who make themselves available as workers.” In the absence of Gabriele Magoni from Perrel represented Giuseppe Magoni from FAIP the title sponsors. “We started 2012, almost jokingly, with a three-year contract and then quietly extended it year after year, with great satisfaction. This tournament offers great visibility to our companies: I see this in the constant requests for information about passes and tickets. In addition, it is a tournament that promotes the development of sport throughout the city of Bergamo, which is this year (along with Brescia) the Italian Capital of Culture. Today I can say: As long as the organizers keep going, we will be there!” Before Marco Fermi announced the wildcard negotiations and left the floor to Vincent Ruggeri, he concluded by emphasizing the importance of the sponsors, from the largest to the smallest. “Because it is true that FAIP and Perrel are the most important, and this year Intesa Sanpaolo is there again as presenting sponsor, but for an event of this type with a budget of more than 200,000 euros, they are all really important.” Hoping that the tournament can grow even further once it finds its permanent home.

CASH OFFICE FOR THE LAST THREE DAYS
For the first time in over ten years, the organizers have decided to introduce an entry fee. This is not a profit motive but a considered decision to give all fans the confidence to attend the games. On the other hand, in recent years it has happened that despite a capacity of 2,500 spectators, someone stayed outside, forcing the choice. Admission is still free until Thursday, November 2nd, after which entry for Friday, November 3rd is 10 euros (5 euros reduced), while entry is on Saturday, 4th and Sunday, November 5th for the last stages costs 15 euros (10 euros reduced). There will be no pre-sales, but tickets for the weekend can be purchased directly at the Italcementi Center from Monday. Until Thursday morning they also play at the Alzano Lombardo sports hall, the second pitch from 2011 to 2020, which returns as protagonist after some absences.