KOBLENZ/STARNBERG, February 1, 2025
The singles finalists of the Koblenz Open 2025 are set: France’s Ugo Blanchet and Italy’s Luca Nardi will face off on Sunday for the ATP Challenger Tour title, 100 ATP Ranking points, and the winner’s prize of €20,630.
Fifth-seeded Blanchet ended the impressive run of Swiss lucky loser Jakub Paul in a tightly contested semi-final, winning 7-6(6), 6-4 on Saturday. While Blanchet relied on powerful serves and solid baseline play, Paul attempted to disrupt his rhythm with delicate drop shots and precise angles. The first set was decided in a tense tie-break, where Blanchet prevailed 8-6.
The second set initially seemed like a straightforward affair for the 26-year-old Frenchman, who raced to a 3-0 lead with a double break. However, Paul, who had already secured the doubles title earlier in the day alongside partner David Pel due to a walkover in the final, fought back bravely. At 5-4, deuce, the Swiss was on the verge of completing a remarkable comeback, but Blanchet ultimately sealed his victory with an ace to book his place in the final.
Final Bound
Ugo Blanchet gets past Paul 7-6(6), 6-4 to book his spot in the Koblenz title match#ATPChallenger | @FFTennis pic.twitter.com/ZuyW5mU6pA
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 1, 2025
“I’m very happy with my performance today and throughout the week,” said Blanchet, before joking about his potential opponents: “I hope Luca and Giulio play a long match now.”
Nardi wins all-Italian affair
Tournament favorite Luca Nardi delivered what he described as his “best performance by far” to defeat fellow Italian Giulio Zeppieri and secure his spot in the final. Nardi remained focused throughout the match, making very few unforced errors. Although the left-handed Zeppieri applied pressure with his aggressive play, Nardi elevated his game in the crucial moments to claim a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory on the Center Court.
In the post-match interview, the World No. 83 admitted feeling “relieved but also very happy” to reach the final, adding that the presence of his girlfriend in the stands gave him the extra motivation to succeed.
