PERUGIA/STARNBERG, June 12, 2025
Luca Nardi continued his impressive run at the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia | G.I.Ma. Tennis Cup with another dominant performance under the lights on Wednesday evening. The third seed from Pesaro advanced to the quarterfinals of the ATP Challenger 125 event with a convincing 6-2, 6-4 win over Sweden’s Elias Ymer in just 73 minutes.
With two clinical performances to his name – including a 47-minute opening-round win – the 21-year-old Italian is emerging as a strong contender for the title at the MEF Tennis Events-organized tournament, played on the clay courts of the Tennis Club Perugia.
World No. 98 Nardi will face France’s Luka Pavlovic on Friday for a place in the semifinals. Pavlovic pulled off a remarkable comeback earlier in the day, saving two match points to defeat eighth seed Taro Daniel 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(6).
One swing and it’s over @luca___nardi wraps up a 6-2, 6-4 win over Ymer to book his spot in the final 8 in Perugia! #ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/Vqz2GBWhrE
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 11, 2025
Nardi now stands as the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw, is embracing both the moment and the environment.
“I know Elias well because he lives near me and we often train together,” said Nardi after the match. “He’s a tricky opponent, but I played a very solid match, especially on serve in the key moments. Facing Pavlovic won’t be easy, but having two quick wins definitely helps. I’m really enjoying myself here in Perugia – the support from the crowd is great, and it doesn’t put pressure on me.”
Elsewhere in the draw, fifth seed Dalibor Svrcina of the Czech Republic booked his quarterfinal spot with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Italy’s Stefano Travaglia, while Bosnia’s Nerman Fatic upset fourth seed Dusan Lajovic 6-2, 6-4.
Thursday Night Spotlight on Passaro
Looking ahead to Thursday’s action, local favorite Francesco Passaro will take center stage in the evening session. The Perugia native is set to face Norway’s Viktor Durasovic at 8:30 PM in what promises to be another high-stakes clash on home soil.
Wednesday Results
Singles – Second Round
Luca Nardi (3) b. Elias Ymer 6-2 6-4
Luka Pavlovic b. Taro Daniel (8) 2-6 7-5 7-6(6)
Dalibor Svrcina (5) b. Stefano Travaglia 6-2 6-3
Nerman Fatic b. Dusan Lajovic (4) 6-2 6-4
