BORDEAUX/STARNBERG, May 18, 2025
The 16th edition of the BNP Paribas Primrose Bordeaux concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday, as local favorite Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard clinched his fifth ATP Challenger Tour career title. In front of a packed and passionate crowd at Villa Primrose’s SCC France Centre Court, the Frenchman battled past Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili in a dramatic three-set final, winning 6-3, 6-7, 7-5 after two hours and 15 minutes of high-octane clay-court tennis.
Under the intense Bordeaux sun, with temperatures reaching 29°C, Mpetshi Perricard showcased poise, power, and resilience. The match opened in dominant fashion for the 20-year-old Frenchman, who broke serve immediately and raced to a 5-2 lead in under 30 minutes. Displaying tactical variety and exceptional movement, Mpetshi wrapped up the first set 6-3, leaving Basilashvili little room to maneuver.
The second set, however, shifted the momentum. Former World No. 16 Basilashvili dug in, refusing to fold. While Mpetshi continued to fire down aces – 11 in the second set alone – the Georgian raised his level in key moments. A tight tie-break eventually went Basilashvili’s way, handing the Frenchman his first set loss of the tournament.
With the crowd firmly behind him, Mpetshi regained composure in the final set. He broke early for 2-0, but Basilashvili clawed his way back, leveling at 2-2. What followed was a gripping exchange of momentum and mental fortitude. At 5-4, Mpetshi earned three match points, only for Basilashvili to fend them off and equalize at 5-5. But the young Frenchman refused to be denied. On his fourth match point, he finally broke through, forcing a decisive error from his opponent to seal the title.
No place like home ❤️
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard moves to 5-0 in Challenger finals as he wins the title in Bordeaux defeating Basilashvili 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-5!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/WntVEsxBtx
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 18, 2025
Mpetshi finished the match with 26 aces and a commanding presence on serve, confirming his growing stature on the ATP Challenger Tour. His victory marks a symbolic moment in French tennis: for the third consecutive year, a homegrown player has lifted the Bordeaux trophy, following Ugo Humbert (2023) and Arthur Fils (2024). It’s a powerful statement from France’s rising generation as they continue to make their mark on the international stage.
“This win means a lot,” Mpetshi said courtside, visibly emotional. “It was a tough match against a very experienced player. The atmosphere was incredible, and I’m proud to have won here in front of my home crowd.”
With Roland-Garros just days away, the timing couldn’t be better. As he prepares to enter one of the sport’s biggest stages, Mpetshi Perricard carries with him momentum, confidence, and a trophy that symbolizes the next step in his promising journey.
