The last match of the second day of action at the Foro Italico saw home favorite Matteo Arnaldi earning his first main draw victory in Rome over Argentine player Diego Schwartzman, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 after two hours and 26 minutes.
The Match as It Happened
Within 12 minutes into the opener, Arnaldi opened a 3-0 advantage over his adversary. Playing aggressively, he extended his lead, dominating play.
On his way to seal the first set, he produced a pivotal double break to grab a 6-1 win in only 29 minutes.
The 22-year-old fired nine winners to nine unforced errors, winning 8 of 10 net approaches and losing just two points behind his serve.
However, the second set would tell a different story as the Argentine raised his level against an inspired opponent.
During a nine-minute third game, Schwartzman raised his level and saved two breakpoints to hold a 2-1 lead, a momentum he maintained after a flawless service game to stay ahead at 3-2.
Then, the Sanremo native fended off three break points to level the second set at 3-3.
Under pressure, the Murcia ATP Challenger Tour champion dropped his serve in a crucial 10th game. The Buenos Aires-born player found breathing room to level the contest to a set apiece, securing a 6-4 victory in 58 minutes to force a third set.
The 30-year-old won 83 percent of the first serve points, while Arnaldi won 62 percent on his.
The Italian adjusted his game against a top rival, breaking to open the decider and holding a 2-0 lead.
A tight third set included long rallies with Arnaldi taking risks, while Schwartzman used his experience to balance play, remaining close in the score.
Nonetheless, the local favorite found an edge to prevail, making the most out of his chances, and after three match points, he advanced to the second round on home soil by nailing a 6-3 triumph.
He finished with 37 winners (4 aces) to 38 unforced errors, saving three of the four breakpoints he faced.
On Saturday, the fifth Masters 1000 of the season will stage an all-Italian clash between Arnaldi and 18th seed Lorenzo Musetti, their first at tour level.
The World No. 99 comes off the back of an impressive run at the Mutua Madrid Open, moving through the third round before falling to Spaniard Jaume Munar.
Throughout his campaign in Madrid, the Italian qualifier stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud in straight sets, achieving his maiden career Top 10 win on his debut at a Masters 1000 event main draw.
His spirited performances allowed him to break into the Top 100 a week before his home Masters 1000 tournament, which he entered with a wild card.
For his part, the 4-time ATP titlist has been struggling to find his best tennis this season.
Ranked at World No. 25 in January, he currently sits at World No. 91, exiting early in the 12 tournaments he has competed in this year, apart from two ATP Challengers where he failed to produce good results.