The future of tennis also passes through Calabria, where the 2025 Winter Cup Junior Under 12 highlighted a name destined to be talked about: Francesco Stranieri, winner of the tournament and protagonist of a final of great sporting maturity played on the courts of the Cosenza Smash Tennis Club. The young athlete from the Clara Tennis Club of Cortale (CZ) took first place, overtaking Giovanni Borrelli in the rankings, who stopped on the second step of the podium after an equally brilliant path.
The final
A hard-fought, intense final, which confirmed the technical value of the two young tennis players and, above all, the emerging talent of Stranieri. What makes this success even more significant is the work done behind the scenes. The contribution of Salvatore Simonetta, Francesco Stranieri’s coach, who has been following his technical and mental growth for some time, accompanying him step by step in a solid and coherent training path, is fundamental. Not least the work carried out by Nicola Sgrò, athletic trainer at the ASD Center Training Club of Girifalco (CZ), whose physical work contributed significantly to the athlete’s performance during the tournament.
Talent on the rise
The victory at the 2025 Under 12 Winter Cup is not just a result, but a clear signal: Francesco Stranieri is a talent in full growth, capable of combining technical qualities, determination and a surprising competitive maturity for his age. A success that rewards the commitment of the athlete, the staff and the entire local tennis movement. Calabria can look to the future with confidence: tennis has found a new protagonist, and the name of Francesco Stranieri is one of those to remember.