Simple man Matteo Arnaldi 'privileged' by EA7 partnership, eyes future singlet fit from Armani

At the start of the 2025 season, Matteo Arnaldi was among the players debuting a new look on the court.

The Italian switched clothing sponsors to a fashion house synonymous with his nation by joining forces with EA7, the ‘sporty’ extension of Giorgi Armani.

“Definitely for an Italian brand, even more Armani that is one of the biggest important brands in Italy, it’s a privilege,” he told Baseline earlier this year at the Dallas Open.

“They started with Fabio Fognini in the past years and then came Lorenzo Sonego. Now they (are) getting into tennis a lot. There are other players, a lot of Italians. For me, it’s a real pleasure and plus outside the court, it's very stylish.”

I don't get the same attention that the others do, but I'm happy with that.

Arnaldi is one of nine Italian men currently ranked inside the Top 100 of the ATP rankings. On Saturday, he knocked off world No. 5 and three-time Mutua Madrid Open champion Novak Djokovic, 6-3, 6-4, for his fifth career Top 10 victory.

The 24-year-old is a simple guy. He doesn’t crave the spotlight or opportunities like gracing magazine covers, instead preferring to fall to the background among a crowded group of talented compatriots on tour.

“I don't like to stay under the cameras to do all those things. Even after Davis Cup last year, I went to Australia to do the preseason this year again, so I spent a lot of time outside Italy,” he shared. “I don't get the same attention that the others do, but I'm happy with that.”

Sticking to this comfort zone is a testament to a shifting mindset back home.

“Everyone is getting a lot of support, around the world, and I think we're lucky for that. At the start I remember they had a lot of pressure because not many Italians were on top. Every time they were playing, they have to win,” Arnaldi reflected.

“Now there are a lot of Italians. Even if you do a really good result, it's like, there is Sinner that is doing better and then if he doesn't do well, there is Berrettini, Musetti and everyone, so you don't have all the pressure on you. I think that's a good thing.”

Arnaldi’s modest approach applies to his attire, too. If he had it his way, tennis wear would suffice for every occasion including formal events. Of course, that’s not how those around Arnaldi see it.

“If I can wear any jersey, I just put that on and I go to dinner or whatever I have to do. Now it's different. I have Armani, so if I try to show up with tennis stuff, they're gonna kill me,” he laughed.

“Then there is my girlfriend that is like dressing up and everything, and then she looks at me and is like, ‘come on.’ And I’m like, ‘all right, I'm gonna change.’ That's what happens most of the time.”

Maybe one day, I will play with the singlet. I don't know if they'll allow me because Armani is Armani, but I will try.

As he grows into his collaboration with EA7, Arnaldi will gain confidence in having input with his on-court fits. When I asked about a wish list, the Sanremo native mentioned one color—and a bold look that may require some convincing with his sponsor.

“I loved last year when I played with purple. I loved the Tiafoe outfit last year at the US Open. Something like that kind of vibe I like for night matches, but just for US Open or in Australia,” Arnaldi revealed.

“So I think that's something that I wanna try to work with them to do a cool one. And maybe one day, I will play with the singlet. I don't know if they'll allow me because Armani is Armani, but I will try.”

For this LeBron James fan, here’s to Arnaldi one day donning his own special purple and gold sleeveless jersey.