PAU/STARNBERG, February 23, 2025
For the first time in the history of the Terega Open Pau-Pyrenees, a qualifier will take center stage in the final of the ATP Challenger Tour event. Germany’s Patrick Zahraj, ranked No. 445 in the world, will face second-seeded Belgian Raphael Collignon, the tournament’s second seed and world No. 122, in a highly anticipated showdown.
The first singles semi-final on Saturday lived up to expectations. Collignon made a strong start, securing a double break in the opening set, leaving Frenchman Arthur Bouquier unable to recover. The second set was a tightly contested affair, with both players holding their serves firmly. A decisive tie-break ultimately favored Collignon, who capitalized on his first match point to seal a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory in one hour and 31 minutes.
One. Win. Away.
Raphael Collignon stops Bouquier’s streak with a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory to secure his spot in the @TeregaOpen final!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/7IIN73LORh
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 22, 2025
In the second semifinal, Zahraj continued his remarkable run, claiming his sixth consecutive victory since Sunday. The 25-year-old Giessen native, who captured Germany’s National Tennis Championship title two years ago, displayed total dominance over Slovakia’s Lukas Klein, breaking early in each set and showcasing an impeccable service game, winning 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 14 minutes.
On Sunday, Zahraj is bidding for his first singles title on the Pro Circuit. Collignon could lift his third Challenger career trophy. The pair will meet for the first time.
Schnaitter/Wallner triumph in doubles
The doubles final saw an all-German duo claim the title, as Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner defeated Belgium’s Alexander Blockx and Raphael Collignon in a thrilling contest 6-4, 6-7, 10-8.
By winning their fifth ATP Challenger Tour team title, their first of the season, Schnaitter and Wallner split €9,010 in prize money and collected 125 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
