PAU/STARNBERG, February 20, 2025

In front of a record crowd of over 4,500 spectators, Richard Gasquet kept French hopes alive at the Terega Open Pau-Pyrenees by advancing to the second round of the ATP Challenger Tour 125 tournament. Meanwhile, Arthur Bouquier secured a spot in the quarterfinals, but it was a tough day for the French contingent, as Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Luca Van Assche, Harold Mayot, and Lucas Poullain all suffered defeats.

The day began with Pierre-Hugues Herbert falling to lucky loser Alexey Vatutin from Russia despite firing over 20 aces 6-4, 7-6(5). Soon after, 2023 champion Luca Van Assche, who triumphed in Pau after a thrilling final against Ugo Humbert, was stunned by US-American Murphy Cassone in three sets 2-6, 6-0, 6-2. Harold Mayot, the tournament’s fifth seed, also bowed out, losing to German qualifier Patrick Zahraj 6-2, 6-4 to secure his fourth consecutive win.

One of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far unfolded at the Tennis Club de Pau, where Arthur Bouquier staged a dramatic comeback against fellow Frenchman Robin Bertrand. Trailing 7-5, 4-2, Bouquier fought back to force a second-set tiebreak, which he won. He then found himself down 5-2 in the third but showed incredible resilience and mental toughness to rally once again, clinching victory in a tense tie-break 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-6(8). Bouquier’s powerful serving played a key role, as he racked up an astonishing 30 aces throughout the match.

On center court, Richard Gasquet, buoyed by an enthusiastic home crowd, delivered a composed performance against Britain’s Charles Broom. The former World No. 7 cruised through the opening set before sealing the match 6-3, 7-6(4) in a well-executed tiebreak, marking an impressive showing in what will be his final indoor tournament.

To close the day’s action, Slovakian Lukas Klein secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory over French qualifier Lucas Poullain in just under 90 minutes.

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✅ A. Vatutin
✅ M. Cassone (USA)
✅ A. Bouquier (FRA)
✅ P. Zahraj (GER)
✅ R. Gasquet (FRA)
✅ L. Klein (SVK)#TOPP2025
​ © Alexis Atteret pic.twitter.com/08yNHu4ePU

— Teréga Open Pau-Pyrénées (@TeregaOpen) February 19, 2025