The Australian Open is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, as people from all over the world come together under the sunny Melbourne sky to cheer on their compatriots on the court.

Italy is home to many talented tennis players, 26 of whom were invited to play in this year’s Australian Open.

Here are the four Italians who’ve made it through to the third round of the tournament.

Thomas Fabbiano

Men’s Singles Rank: 100

Men’s Doubles Rank: 333

Thomas Fabbiano was born on May 26, 1989, in the Apulian town of Grottaglie.

He spent his childhood on tennis courts and demonstrated natural talent early on.

In 2012, he began training at the Tennis Training School of Foligno, in the central Italian region of Umbria.

The 29-year-old athlete now lives in San Giorgio Ionico, just 12 kilometres south of his hometown, and travels the world on the ATP circuit.

In September 2017, he reached his career high, ranking no. 70 in the singles.

Could 2019 be Fabbiano’s year to shine?

Fabbiano plays Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov (ranked no. 21) this afternoon on Melbourne Arena.

Andreas Seppi

Men’s Singles Rank: 37

Men’s Doubles Rank: 212

Andreas Seppi was born in Bolzano, in the autonomous province of South Tyrol, on February 21, 1984.

Having turned pro in 2002, he now resides in Caldaro, just 12 kilometres southwest of Bolzano.

Seppi was the first Italian player to beat a seeded opponent in a Grand Slam Tournament, defeating Rainer Schüttler (12) at the 2004 US Open.

He has three career titles and has made it into the fourth round of the Australian Open four times, including in 2018.

Let’s see if he can go even further this year.

Seppi plays American Frances Tiafoe (ranked no. 39) this afternoon on Court 3.

Fabio Fognini

Men’s Singles Rank: 13

Men’s Doubles Rank: 77

Fabio Fognini was born in Sanremo, on the Ligurian coast, on May 24, 1987.

He began playing tennis when he was just four years old.

The 31-year-old athlete currently resides in neighbouring Arma di Taggia.

He has won five ATP singles titles and, together with Simone Bolelli, Fognini won the 2015 Australian Open doubles event, becoming the first Italian men’s pair to win a Grand Slam title.

Last year, Fognini made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open.

What will this year bring?

Fognini will play Spaniard Carreno Busta (ranked no. 24) tomorrow.

Camila Giorgi

Women’s Singles Rank: 27

Camila Giorgi was born in the central Italian city of Macerata, in Le Marche, on December 30, 1991.

The only remaining woman representing Italy in the 2019 Australian Open, the 27-year-old now lives in the Tuscan town of Terrenia.

Coached by her father Sergio, Giorgi has defeated former world no. 1 players Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova, and Victoria Azarenka with her aggressive playing style.

Can she fight her way to the top at the Australian Open?

Giorgi will play Czech Karolina Pliskova (ranked no. 7) tomorrow.

Photos: ANSA