Friday once again brought unsettled weather to Bad Rappenau, but the NECKARCUP 2.0 continued to prove its resilience. With quick organizational responses, a patient and loyal crowd, and determined athletes, the tournament kept up the momentum despite the conditions. Two quarterfinal singles matches were successfully completed – both featuring impressive comebacks after a set down.

As daylight faded, 21-year-old Peruvian Ignacio Buse mounted a strong turnaround to defeat No. 6 seed Francesco Passaro of Italy 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 after one hour and 55 minutes of play.

Vamos!

In the final match of a rain-interrupted Friday, Ignacio Buse fights past Francesco Passaro 3-6 6-1 6-4 to reach the #Neckarcup semis!#ATPChallenger #Bad Rappenau pic.twitter.com/14USIOKtFE

— NECKARCUP 2.0 (@NeckarH) June 6, 2025

“It’s been raining a lot all week and today was particularly tough,” Buse said afterward. “In the first set I didn’t play my best tennis, but things improved from the second set on when I started playing with more confidence.”

Veteran Trungelliti Keeps Rolling

Buse, who trains at the TEC Carles Ferrer Salat Academy in Barcelona and is known for his love of good food, will next face Argentinian veteran Marco Trungelliti.

The 35-year-old outlasted young Mexican Rodrigo Pacheco Méndez 2–6, 6–4, 6–2 in a rain-disrupted battle.

The veteran is the winner!

Marco Trungelliti rallies past Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez 2-6 6-4 6-2 to reach the #Neckarcup semis.#ATPChallenger #BadRappenau pic.twitter.com/MyPVs79aD5

— NECKARCUP 2.0 (@NeckarH) June 6, 2025

“Today was really tricky with the weather – we warmed up a few times and kept getting sent back to the locker rooms,” Trungelliti explained. Ranked No. 177 in the world and a three-time ATP Challenger Tour title winner, Trungelliti credited his experience: “At times it was hard to stay focused, but my experience really helped me today.”

Schnaitter and Wallner: Eyes on the Trophy

Top seeds Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner kept their title hopes alive in the doubles draw, overcoming Mats Hermans from the Netherlands and Italian Giorgio Ricca 7–6(2), 6–4. The German duo, both former college players in the U.S., stayed mentally tough through multiple rain delays, securing victory in just over an hour.

“We were out there five times today and spent a lot of time waiting,” Schnaitter shared during the on-court interview. “It wasn’t ideal – not for us, and not for the fans either.”

How did they pass the time? “Luckily we caught some of the Alcaraz vs. Musetti match in Paris,” Schnaitter said. “Otherwise, it’s the usual – scrolling your phone or reading a book.”

Last year, Schnaitter and Wallner reached the final in Heilbronn, only falling to Romain Arneodo and Geoffrey Blancaneaux. This time, they’re determined to go one step further: “We want to win the title. That’s the goal,” Schnaitter said confidently.

Next up, they’ll face the Italian-Venezuelan team of Marco Bortolotti and Cristian Rodriguez, who took out No. 4 seeds Robin Haase from the Netherlands and Brazilian Marcelo Zormann 6–3, 6–4 in 63 minutes.

As the tournament heads into its final weekend, players and fans alike are hoping for dry skies – and more thrilling tennis action.

Results – Friday, 06 June 2025
Singles – Quarterfinal

Ignacio Buse (PER) d [6] Francesco Passaro (ITA) 36 61 64
Marco Trungelliti (ARG) d Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez (MEX) 26 64 62

Doubles – Quarterfinal

[1] Jakob Schnaitter (GER)/Mark Wallner (GER) d Mats Hermans (NED)/Giorgio Ricca (ITA) 76(2) 64
Marco Bortolotti (ITA)/Cristian Rodriguez (COL) d [4] Robin Haase (NED)/Marcelo Zormann (BRA) 63 64
[3] Vasil Kirkov (USA)/Bart Stevens (NED) d [WC] Tim Handel (GER)/Lasse Poertner (GER) 62 64