FARO/STARNBERG, March 2, 2025
The 32nd edition of the Faro Open ITF World Tennis Tour M25 event almost had a Portuguese champion, but Marko Topo claimed the title after defeating both Tiago Pereira and Frederico Silva on the same day. The tournament, organized by the Centro de Tenis e Padel de Faro with support from the Portuguese Tennis Federation and the Faro City Council, concluded with the 21-year-old German securing victory.
Currently ranked World No. 399, Topo prevented a home victory for Tiago Pereira (No. 504 ATP), who is a year younger, by winning the final 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 in the afternoon match on Sunday.
Earlier that day, Topo had already overcome Frederico Silva (No. 262 ATP) with a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the semifinals, which had been postponed to Sunday due to rain.
Pereira’s journey to the final
Pereira, who had won two ITF M15 titles in Monastir last year, reached the third and most significant final of his career—his first in an ITF M25 event. He earned his spot in the title match after a hard-fought semi-final battle against Britain’s Liam Broady (No. 702 ATP), a former top 100 player. Pereira prevailed 6-1, 2-6, 7-6(2) after an intense two-hour and 15-minute match.
The Final Showdown
Playing in front of a home crowd, Pereira had little time to recover before the final. Meanwhile, Topo entered the match fresher, having dominated his semi-final without facing a single break point.
Using his strong serve, firing six aces, and powerful forehand, Topo created difficulties for Pereira. Despite the physical toll, Pereira fought back in the second set, energizing the Faro crowd. However, Topo had the stamina advantage and regained control in the decisive set, securing his fifth career title—his fourth at the ITF M25 level and first in 2025.
Marko Topo derrota Frederico Silva (6-3 e 6-4) e Tiago Pereira (6-1, 3-6 e 6-1) no mesmo dia e sagra-se campeão do Faro Open, impedindo festa portuguesa — e algarvia — no torneio internacional em atividade há mais tempo no nosso país (ininterruptamente desde 1994). pic.twitter.com/knCwHRWlJa
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) March 2, 2025
“What I lacked was the physical side, but even though I lost the final, I’m very happy with this week and how I fought for every point,” Pereira said. “Maybe I didn’t play my best tennis, but reaching my first M25 final, and at home, is something I’ll cherish.”
“Marko’s serve is very strong, and his forehand is powerful. He’s a solid player, doesn’t make many mistakes, and although he’s not the best at the net, he takes advantage when needed.”
Topo was thrilled with his triumph: “Fred [Silva] is an excellent player, a lefty and a big fighter, so it was tough to beat him in two sets. Then against Tiago, who is very talented and improving, I knew I had more energy. I analyzed them well, played my best tennis, and I’m really happy,” the German said.
“It wasn’t easy with the weather—we had to play indoors and outdoors, deal with rain and delays—but I adapted well and managed my nerves.”
