Challenger
Cina grew up passing champions in the hallway, now he’s forging his own path
The 18-year-old Italian recently won his first ATP Challenger title
March 12, 2026
PMR Maha Open
Federico Cina is a #NextGenATP player to watch in 2026.
By Grant Thompson
While many young tennis players dream of getting an up-close look at the stars they watch on television, Federico Cina grew up living that reality.
The fast-rising #NextGenATP player spent roughly 10 weeks a year travelling to the sport’s biggest tournaments thanks to his father’s role as coach of Roberta Vinci, the Italian former WTA star who reached the Top 10 in singles and became World No. 1 in doubles. Cina recalls visiting the Slams and the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Rome.
“I was really young and I saw all the champions near to me,” Cina told ATPTour.com. “So I understood how good it is to be there and play on those courts. I fell in love from the beginning.”
That young boy who used to accompany his father in the player’s box is now carving his own path, with ambitions to rise onto the ATP Tour. In a full-circle journey, Cina is coached by his father, Francesco.
Cina holds fond memories from those early days travelling to tournaments.
“I remember one time I saw Federer at Wimbledon, I was like, ‘Wow’,” recalled Cina. “He’s also an idol for me,” he added, previously naming Novak Djokovic as his tennis idol.
Federico Cina in the arms of his father, Francesco (far left), at Wimbledon in 2014, following Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci’s title run.” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2026/03/07/18/09/cina-wimbledon-2014-father.jpg”>
Federico Cina in the arms of his father, Francesco (far left), at Wimbledon in 2014, following Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci’s title run. Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
The 18-year-old recently won his maiden ATP Challenger title in Pune, India, where he dramatically saved five championship points. “I hope this is only the first one,” he said following his triumph.
A native of Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, Cina is at a career-high No. 183 in the PIF ATP Rankings. He is the second-youngest player in the Top 200 (only behind Justin Engel).
While making the transition to professional tennis, some players may need time to adjust to the globe-trotting nature of the job. Cina has understood that aspect since a young age.
“When I started travelling, maybe for my age it was not normal, but I travelled when I was five years old so I never had any problems with travelling,” Cina said. “I always liked it. I think travelling with my dad helped me with these things.”
Francesco Cina, Francesco Cardinale and Eric Hernandez.” style=”width:100%” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2026/03/07/18/17/cina-punech-2026-team.jpg”>
Cina celebrates his Pune title with his team, from left to right: Francesco Cina, Francesco Cardinale and Eric Hernandez. Credit: PMR Maha Open
Cina has “always played tennis”, sharing that he first started aged one, with a racquet at home. At age 14, he became more serious about chasing the professional dream. Cina trained twice a day for 90 minutes per session, completed physical conditioning in the afternoons, and still managed three hours of school each day.
“I think at that age was when I really understood that I want to do this and focus on tennis 100 per cent,” Cina said.
Cina’s hard work is paying dividends. Last year, he received a wild card at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Miami and Madrid, earning a main-draw win at both events.
In Pune, Cina became the fifth-youngest Italian to win his first ATP Challenger title, a list led by Jannik Sinner, the No. 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Youngest Italians To Win First Challenger Title
Turning 19 later this month (30 March), Cina will be one to watch throughout this season while he chases his goal of qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals.
“I really want to qualify,” Cina said. “Of course we are in March, so it’s a very long way away, but it is a goal to finish the year in the top eight [20-and-under players] so I can go to the Next Gen Finals.”
