How doubles stardom helped Andrea Vavassori shine in singles | ATP tour | Tennis

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How doubles stardom helped Vavassori shine in singles

Italian speaks to ATPTour.com about his doubles match in Adelaide
January 13, 2026

Andrea Vavassori walked to the net to shake hands after winning a first-round match at the Adelaide International on Tuesday. That in itself is not surprising.

What might catch the fans’ attention is that it wasn’t a double play. Vavassori, who was an alternate for the singles qualifying draw, earned his way into the main draw and then upset the No. 41 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Gabriel Diallo.

“Today was a great match. It gives me confidence because Gabriel is an incredible player,” Vavassori told ATPtour.com. “I saw him play a lot last year. He is one of the players that the top players don’t want to play against, because he is very dangerous with his serve and forehand.”

Many will also say that about Vavassori. The 30-year-old is known for his success in doubles, having played alongside Simone Bolelli in the past two editions of the Nitto ATP Finals and three major men’s doubles finals, including at the 2024 and 2025 Australian Opens.

But the Italian showed in Adelaide that he is also a force to be reckoned with in singles, even though he learned of his participation in the draw at the last minute.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect it because I had also practiced a lot in the gym the day before,” Vavassori said. “I found out at the last minute. The supervisor advised me 10 minutes before the end of registration [period for qualifying].”

Vavassori is ranked No. 336 in the world, but rose to No. 128 in 2023. In the past two years, he has played against Carlos Alcaraz twice and Jannik Sinner once, so he has plenty of experience on the big stage. The winner of eleven singles matches at tour level has also prepared for such moments.

“I practiced a lot during the preseason, including singles, because in my hometown we don’t have that many players to practice doubles, and I think practicing singles helps me become a better player overall,” Vavassori said. “It’s not about singles, doubles or mixed doubles, but about becoming a better player. I enjoy playing tennis every time I can. I’m very competitive, so when I step on the court I always try to do my best.”

Vavassori would like to play more singles if given the chance, but that’s not an easy situation. He is ranked No. 14 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, allowing him to play the biggest tournaments in the world, where he doesn’t often earn a spot in singles.

That’s why he relishes the opportunity to compete as he does in Adelaide this week. The Turin native actually believes he is now “much better” at singles than he was when it was his main focus.

“In doubles you also have to deal with the pressure in the big moments on big courts,” Vavassori said. “That’s helped me become a better player overall. I think I practice the right way. I understand my game better. I think I have a different playing style.” [compared to other] players. Maybe I’ll try to go to the net more. We don’t see this kind of game much anymore.

“I think the best thing doubles has done for me is make me a better player in moments of pressure, because when you play Grand Slam finals in doubles or mixed doubles, I think the pressure is there. It has helped me become a better player in certain situations. So today I played maybe two, three chances in a good way.”

Vavassori will hope this continues, starting with his second-round match against home favorite Aleksandar Vukic on Wednesday and his doubles match with Bolelli later in the day.