ZADAR/STARNBERG, March 24, 2025
Borna Coric celebrated the third consecutive triumph on the ATP Challenger Tour this month by lifting the trophy of the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Zadar Open. The No. 3 seed of the clay-court tournament rallied from a set down to overcome fifth-seeded Frenchman Valentin Royer, who returned to Europe after winning back-to-back titles at the Rwanda Challenger series in Kigali, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the singles final.
Coric, champion in Lugano, Switzerland and Thionville, France in early March, advanced to the title match in Croatia with wins over Pedro Cachin of Argentina, Croatian qualifier Luka Mikrut and Filip Cristian Jianu from Romania as well as top seed Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who was forced to retire in the semi-final.
On a windy Sunday on the Adriatic Sea, the 28-year-old Zagreb native won 72 per cent of his first-service points and broke Royer four times to seal victory in two hours and 13 minutes.
INVINCIBLE BORNA
The Croatian secures his THIRD consecutive Challenger title with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Royer in Zadar#ATPChallenger | @borna_coric pic.twitter.com/xrV4FzcC8C
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 23, 2025
“It does feel great I am very happy, as I played very good tennis. Conditions were not easy today but I am happy to be through and looking forward to celebrate my title win,” said Coric.
Coric captured his sixth ATP Challenger Tour career title and earned €12,980 in prize money as well as 75 ATP Ranking points.
The fifth edition of the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Zadar Open offered a total prize pool of €91,250 and was hosted by the Tenis Klub Borik at the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala – Iadera. Zadar is a historic coastal city on the Adriatic Sea, known for its stunning sunsets, Roman and Venetian ruins, and vibrant waterfront. The city’s Old Town is filled with charming stone streets, medieval churches, and landmarks like the Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church.
Visitors can experience unique attractions such as the Sea Organ, which creates music from ocean waves, and the Sun Salutation, a solar-powered light installation. With beautiful beaches, nearby islands, and delicious Dalmatian cuisine, Zadar is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
