PERUGIA, June 15, 2025
Italian Andrea Pellegrino and Nerman Fatic of Bosnia and Herzegovina will compete in the singles final of 10th edition of the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Perugia | G.I.Ma. Tennis Cup.
In the first semifinal on a hot Saturday at the Tennis Club Perugia, Fatic ended the remarkable run of 18-year-old Italian Pierluigi Basile. In a clash between two qualifiers, Fatic delivered a solid performance to win 6-3, 7-6(6) in one hour and 52 minutes, securing his place in the championship match with consistent baseline play and mental resilience in key moments.
Celebration comes with a kiss #ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/ctRDlyMz5h
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 14, 2025
Later in the evening, it was Pellegrino who once again lit up the court under the Perugia night sky. The 28-year-old from Puglia, currently ranked World No. 173, backed up his quarterfinal win over Francesco Passaro with a dominant display against third seed Luca Nardi. Pellegrino won 7-6(5), 6-2 after one hour and 49 minutes, saving all 13 break points he faced and converting both of his own opportunities in the second set.
Andrea Pellegrino vince il derby azzurro contro Luca Nardi 7-6(5) 6-2: domani sarà FINALE a Perugia contro Nerman Fatic #DAZN #tennis #InternazionaliPerugia #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/Zk4hIbDbMA
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) June 14, 2025
“It was the toughest match of the week,” Pellegrino said. “I struggled early on, but I grew into the match. Of course, there was some luck involved in saving so many break points, but when you fend off 13 chances, it’s also because you’re focused and believe in every point. That was the key tonight.”
Pellegrino, who lost in the second round in Perugia last year to eventual champion Luciano Darderi, has now reached the final for the first time in Umbria. This marks a continuation of strong form that began with his run to the final of the ATP Challenger 175 in Estoril, Portugal in April.
His opponent in the final, Nerman Fatic, has already played two extra matches after coming through the qualifying rounds. “What do I expect?” Pellegrino reflected. “I know he recently got married—maybe that helps you stay calm on court. I expect a tough match, and I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
Earlier in the day, the doubles final kicked off the action, with top seeds Romain Arneodo and Manuel Guinard claiming the title. The Monegasque-French duo came from a set down to defeat second seeds Robin Haase and Vasil Kirkov 3-6, 6-3, 10-5 in one hour and 29 minutes.
Saturday evening also featured special celebrations marking the 10-year anniversary of the tournament and organizers MEF Tennis Events. ATP supervisor Carmelo di Dio presented honors to Avv. Luigi Grafas (President of Tennis Club Perugia), tournament director Francesco Cancellotti, and the Marchesini family for their longstanding contributions.
