In a stunning display of talent and composure, 17-year-old Indian tennis prodigy Manas Dhamne achieved the most significant victory of his burgeoning career by defeating former World No. 16 and 2018 French Open semifinalist Marco Cecchinato in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
This remarkable win occurred during the first round of qualifying at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Francavilla al Mare, Italy.
A Breakthrough Victory
Facing Cecchinato, a seasoned clay-court specialist known for his victory over Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros, Dhamne showcased maturity beyond his years.
He maintained consistent depth on his groundstrokes and capitalized on break-point opportunities, effectively neutralizing Cecchinato’s potent one-handed backhand and drop shots. This victory not only highlights Dhamne’s technical prowess but also his mental fortitude on the court.
Rising Through the Ranks
Dhamne’s ascent in the professional tennis circuit has been noteworthy.
Earlier in 2025, he clinched his maiden professional title at the ITF M15 event in Monastir, Tunisia. Entering as a qualifier, he won eight consecutive matches, culminating in a come-from-behind victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Carboni in the final. This triumph made him the second-youngest Indian male to win a professional title, trailing only Yuki Bhambri, and the youngest to do so outside India .
Training with the Best
Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Dhamne has been training under the guidance of renowned coach Riccardo Piatti at the Piatti Tennis Center in Bordighera, Italy.
This facility has been instrumental in shaping the careers of top players, including current World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Dhamne’s decision to train abroad reflects his commitment to reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Upcoming Challenge: Stefano Travaglia
In the next round of qualifying, Dhamne is set to face Italy’s Stefano Travaglia, currently ranked ATP 267. Travaglia, a former World No. 60, has a wealth of experience and a game well-suited to clay courts.
Known for his powerful groundstrokes and solid baseline play, Travaglia reached the third round of the French Open in 2020 and has multiple Challenger titles to his name .
While Travaglia presents a formidable challenge, Dhamne’s recent performances suggest he is ready to compete at this level. His ability to adapt and strategize against seasoned opponents will be crucial in this matchup.
A Promising Future
Dhamne’s recent successes signal a bright future for Indian tennis. His victories over higher-ranked and more experienced players demonstrate not only his skill but also his potential to rise through the ATP rankings.
As he continues to gain experience and refine his game, Dhamne is poised to become a prominent figure on the international tennis stage.
Match Details
- Match: Manas Dhamne vs. Stefano Travaglia
- Round: Qualifying Round 2
- Tournament: ATP Challenger 75, Francavilla al Mare
- Surface: Clay
- Date & Time: Monday, May 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM IST
- Live Stream: Challenger TV
Tennis enthusiasts and supporters of Indian tennis will undoubtedly be watching closely as Dhamne continues his journey, hopeful that this young talent will achieve even greater heights in the sport.
