Go beyond Sinner, Paolini and Musetti for Francesco Passaro, another emblem of Italian tennis

Twenty-four-year-old Francesco Passaro embodies the new wave of Italian tennis talent that has been making headlines in recent years. With a fierce work ethic, a game built on power and aggression, and an unmistakable bond with his roots, Passaro is steadily carving his own path on the ATP Challenger Tour and beyond.

Hailing from the historic city of Perugia, Francesco picked up a tennis racquet for the first time at the age of six. By 10, he began working with Roberto Tarpani, the coach who remains by his side to this day.

“He’s like a second father to me,” Passaro says. “It’s very special trying to reach my goals with someone who helped me grow up.”

Life on Tour

Currently ranked No. 143, Passaro knows what it takes to break into the big league. Earlier this year, he reached the Top 100 for the first time. He is a three-time ATP Challenger Tour champion, all titles achieved on home soil (Trieste 2022, Turin and Genoa 2024). He boasts a playing style that’s both aggressive and increasingly all-court.

“I have a big serve and a big forehand,” he explains. “I try to be more aggressive and come to the net when I can. In today’s tennis, staying inside the court and taking initiative is key.”

The road to the top hasn’t come without its bumps. Playing in Challengers means often facing lower-ranked opponents with everything to gain, and that brings pressure.

“It’s not always easy. You have to be focused and play your best tennis,” he says.

But Passaro thrives on big moments. When asked about one of his best performances, he names his victory against Grigor Dimitrov at the ATP Masters in Rome this year.

Sometimes you grow with the challenge. Francesco Passaro

One of the biggest challenges this season was his Grand Slam main-draw debut at Roland Garros, where he pushed Dutchman Jesper de Jong to five sets.

“Physically and mentally, it was very demanding, but the experience will help me in the future.”

Chasing a Dream

After Roland Garros, Passaro played at the Neckarcup 2.0 in Bad Rappenau, where reached the quarterfinals after wins over German qualifier Florian Broska and Norway’s Viktor Durasovic.

“It’s my first time here, but everyone told me it was a great event—and it’s true. The organization is amazing, and the people here make you feel at home,“ Passaro said during the week in Germany. He lost to eventual champion Ignacio Buse in the quarterfinals.

Bad Rappenau was followed by a special tournament on his calendar: The Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia | G.I.Ma. Tennis Cup, held in his hometown of Perugia.

In 2024, Passaro fell in the quarterfinals to Daniel Altmaier. This year, he lost in the same stage to compatriot Andrea Pellegrino, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

“That one means a lot to me,” he says. “Playing in front of my family and friends… my dream is to win the title there at least once in my career.”

A Warthog, Win or Lose

Off the court, Passaro remains as grounded as ever. He’s a devoted Inter Milan supporter, despite watching his team lose the Champions League final in his hotel room.

“It was tough to watch, but I’m proud to be an Inter fan. Maybe even more when we lose than when we win,” he says with a smile.

Among his peers in the Italian Tennis League, he’s affectionately known as “Il Facu” based on the warthog, which lives in the Savannah, and is a reflection of Francesco’s relentless, battle-ready nature on the court. He is strong, determined, and not afraid to get his hands dirty.

As his career gathers pace, one thing is clear: Francesco Passaro is not just another Italian name in the draw, he’s a player with heart and hunger.