Italian standout Arianna Zucchini will join Texas women’s tennis in fall 2026

Bologna, Italy, native Arianna Zucchini signed with Texas women’s tennis this week.

Zucchini will join the program in the fall.

“I chose Texas because I know it’s the best place for me to keep developing my game and chasing my goals,” Zucchini told Texas Athletics. “More than that, I believe it’s where I’ll continue to grow as a person and make the most of every opportunity along the way. From the beginning, I felt the culture, energy, and commitment that the coaches, players, and staff bring every day. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to Austin and be a part of something special!”

Head coach Howard Joffe expressed his enthusiasm for Zucchini’s addition, too.

“I’m delighted Arianna has chosen to come to Texas,” Joffe said. “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her on her visit and I can tell she is mature, highly intelligent and incredibly kind. I know she will profit from the experience and will be a big factor in our teams’ 2027 campaign.”

Zucchini maintains a decorated professional career as is. Her career-high Women’s Tennis Association ranking is 496, and she’s currently ranked No. 539. In doubles, she’s been ranked as high as No. 573, and she’s currently ranked No. 593.

As Texas Athletics wrote this week, “[Zucchini] has registered two career pro titles in singles, twice capturing the W15 Monastir in Tunisia in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, she also earned a singles main draw wild card to the WTA 1000 in Rome after winning a pre-qualifying tournament, along with reaching the singles final of a W35 in Monastir. In doubles, she recently reached the final of the W35 Bol in Croatia in May, and in 2025 advanced to the final of the W35 in Monastir.”