“It’s very motivating for all of us, Italian tennis is very lucky to have the number one in the world.
“I couldn’t be happier to get this win. It was really today tough. I started the match very focused and managed to keep that to the end, which was very important,” added the world No.216. “It’s the first time at this stage here, so I’m very happy. I have to try to stay calm.”
Competing as a wild card at last season’s Miami Open, Cina recorded his opening ATP Tour victory against Francisco Comesana to become the first player born since 2007 to win a Masters 1000 match.
Another milestone came this February in Pune, India, with a first ATP Challenger title to his name to crack the top 200.
For Cina it’s all about incremental adjustments.