PARMA/STARNBERG, May 17, 2025
Mayar Sherif has once again made history at the Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren, becoming the new champion at the prestigious WTA 125 event. On the Center Court of the Tennis Club Parma, the Egyptian star secured her second title at this tournament by defeating Canada’s Victoria Mboko 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 51 minutes on Saturday.
Ranked No. 64 in the world, Sherif now holds eight WTA 125 titles in her career. Her victory confirms her remarkable record in events organized by MEF Tennis Events, having reached three finals in Parma and claiming two wins – in 2022 and now in 2025.
Despite the loss, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko can celebrate a milestone: she is set to reach a new career-high ranking of No. 121, continuing her promising ascent on the WTA Tour.
Sherif and her special bond with Parma
Three years after winning the WTA 250 title in Parma, Mayar Sherif once again found joy on the red clay of the Tennis Club Parma. “I’m very happy to have played my third final here,” she said after the match. “I’ve worked hard on myself, and I always feel comfortable both on and off the court here. The city and the people have welcomed me so warmly — it really makes a difference.”
Sherif also praised her young opponent: “Mboko is better than her current ranking. She’s a very strong player and I’m sure she’ll go far. She’s still very young, plays aggressive tennis, and has lots of room to grow.”
Having won every match in straight sets during the tournament, Sherif leaves Parma full of confidence ahead of her upcoming events in Rabat and Roland Garros. “This was the perfect preparation. I’m focused on improving as a player — the ranking will follow naturally, so I’m not setting numerical goals for now.”
Game. Set. Doubles Champions!
Jesika Malechova and Miriam Skoch defeat Santamaria/Tang to win the doubles title in Parma #tennis #ParmaLadiesOpen #WTA #Parma pic.twitter.com/SLWRNmzlt7
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) May 17, 2025
A milestone edition and a look toward Perugia
This fifth edition in Parma had a special flavor, as MEF Tennis Events celebrated five years of organizing the tournament. During the award ceremony, the WTA honored the city of Parma, represented by Sports and Budget Councillor Marco Bosi, and the Tennis Club Parma, with Giampiero Alinovi receiving the recognition.
“We had another amazing week here in Parma,” said Marcello Marchesini, President of MEF Tennis Events. “The players love coming here, and celebrating five years of this event with the WTA was truly special.”
After champions like Gauff, Sherif, Bogdan, and Schmiedlova, the 2025 title returns to Sherif. “It was a fantastic final between two high-level players. We’ve built a great relationship with Mayar over the years, and Mboko has been a revelation this week. I wish Mayar the best for the rest of her season and hope Parma becomes a springboard for Victoria.”
With the Parma Ladies Open wrapped up, MEF Tennis Events now shifts focus to its home region of Umbria, where the ATP Challenger tournaments in Perugia and Todi await. “The Perugia tournament (June 8–15) is just around the corner and attracts the most fans outside of the Italian Open,” said Marchesini. “We’re also working on the Todi event in August and are hoping to add a WTA tournament in Olbia, alongside the existing Challenger 125.”
