Avatar photoMarco Bianchi

Marco covers Southern Europe's vibrant and fast-growing startup landscape. Based in Milan, he reports on funding rounds, product launches and ecosystem developments across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, with a keen eye for foodtech, mobility and consumer innovation.

Spanish Tennis Stars Jodar and Davidovich Fokina Set for Shanghai Masters Final

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Rafael Jodar and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will meet in the 2026 Shanghai Masters final, marking the first all‑Spanish Masters 1000 final in nine years. Both Spaniards have dispatched top players en route to the championship match, with Jodar beating Casper Ruud and Daniil Medvedev, and Davidovich Fokina overcoming Hubert Hurkacz and Alexander Zverev. The final is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026 in Shanghai.

De Minaur’s Grand Slam Barrier: Winless Against Elite Four in 29 ATP Meetings

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Alex de Minaur, a seven‑time Grand Slam quarter‑finalist, faces a daunting hurdle: he has lost all 29 ATP Tour encounters against the sport’s current top four players. The statistic underscores why his dream of advancing beyond the quarter‑finals remains elusive, despite his strong work ethic and recent optimistic comments after Roland Garros.

Philippoussis Challenges Players Over Calendar Complaints, Says They Can Simply Refuse

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Former Australian star Mark Philippoussis spoke to Clay Tenis about the growing criticism of the ATP calendar, saying players have the option to refuse overly demanding weeks despite financial incentives. He referenced the Big Three’s ability to manage their schedules and noted recent injuries to players like Carlos Alcaraz as evidence of the system’s strain.

Jodar Sanctioned for Outburst at Shanghai Masters, Issues Public Apology

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Spanish 20‑year‑old Rafael Jodar was penalised for swearing at a ball boy during his fourth‑round victory at the Shanghai Masters and later issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake and promising not to repeat it. The incident came as Jodar advanced to the semi‑finals of his debut Masters 1000 event, where he will face either Daniil Medvedev or Tommy Paul.

Merino Reveals How Seat Change Likely Saved His Life in Dortmund Bus Attack

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Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino recounted how a chance decision to sit in a different seat on the Borussia Dortmund bus in 2017 may have saved his life when the vehicle was hit by explosives before a Champions League semi‑final. He reflected on the trauma, the subsequent recovery, and how the experience motivated his comeback to win the World Cup with Spain and help Arsenal clinch the Premier League title.