BERGAMO/STARNBERG, August 1, 2025

The 2025 edition of the Trofeo FAIP–Perrel in Bergamo will be more than just another tournament. From November 16 to 23, the ATP Challenger event will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special on-site award as part of the ATP’s Challenger Heritage Programme, a recognition reserved for the longest-running events on the tour.

Few tournaments in the world, and even fewer in Italy, can boast the consistency and legacy of the Bergamo stop. After a one-year relocation to Rovereto in 2024 due to venue renovations, the tournament will return home this year to inaugurate the brand-new Chorus Life arena—potentially opening the door to an even brighter future.

An ATP Tribute to Staying Power

The ATP’s Challenger Heritage Programme was created to honor tournaments that have stood the test of time, describing them as “the beating heart of the ATP Challenger Tour.” Special ceremonies are held for events reaching milestones of 10, 20, 30, or 40 years, paying tribute in front of staff, sponsors, and fans.

In 2025, it will be Bergamo’s turn. The continuity of the tournament—even during the pandemic and a venue transition—has been remarkable. The 2024 edition was temporarily hosted in Rovereto thanks to the commitment of tournament director Marco Fermi and the continued support of title sponsors FAIP and Perrel, partners since 2012. Their efforts ensured the event never lost its place on the calendar—a key requirement for receiving the ATP’s accolade.

Local institutions, especially the City of Bergamo, have also played a vital role in the tournament’s growth. Support has also come from the Lombardy Region and neighboring towns like Gorle and Alzano Lombardo, which have hosted secondary events over the years.

Among the Challenger Elite

Maintaining a place on the Challenger calendar—especially after the disruption caused by COVID-19—has become increasingly difficult. To understand Bergamo’s achievement, it’s worth recalling that only nine tournaments had been continuously held since the ATP Challenger circuit’s formation in 1990. By 2015, three of those—Fürth, Aptos, and Winnetka—had already disappeared. Of the remaining six, only Tampere (established in 1982), Segovia (1986), and Seville (1991) have been held without interruption.

Against this backdrop, Bergamo’s consistency is extraordinary. Organizers are still deciding whether to host the ATP ceremony at the new Chorus Life venue or at Bergamo’s City Hall, but either location will be a fitting stage to recognize two decades of dedication.

A Rare Case of Unbroken History in Italy

Within Italy, only seven active Challengers are older than Bergamo, but most have missed several editions: Biella (9), Barletta (3), Naples (8), and Genoa (2). Monza only recently returned to the calendar after a 12-year absence. Only two Italian Challengers—Rome Garden (Challenger since 2002) and Cordenons (since 2004)—can match Bergamo’s uninterrupted presence, although even Rome Garden skipped 2020 due to the pandemic and organized two editions in 2021 to compensate.

Bergamo’s own story with COVID-19 was particularly dramatic. The 2020 tournament was halted before the final due to government restrictions implemented on the very morning of the championship match. The two finalists, Enzo Couacaud and Illya Marchenko, were left without a winner being declared—an unprecedented moment in the tournament’s history.

A New Chapter at Chorus Life

Over the years, thanks to the efforts of sponsors, institutions, volunteers, and a dedicated professional team, the Bergamo Challenger has continually met the ATP’s increasingly high organizational standards. With the move to a deluxe venue in 2025, the tournament enters a new era—one that begins with an ATP celebration recognizing its remarkable journey.

Trofeo FAIP–Perrel Bergamo – Roll of Honour

• 2006 – Alex Bogdanovic (GBR)

• 2007 – Fabrice Santoro (FRA)

• 2008 – Andreas Seppi (ITA)

• 2009 – Lukas Rosol (CZE)

• 2010 – Karol Beck (SVK)

• 2011 – Andreas Seppi (ITA)

• 2012 – Bjorn Phau (GER)

• 2013 – Michal Przysiezny (POL)

• 2014 – Simone Bolelli (ITA)

• 2015 – Benoit Paire (FRA)

• 2016 – Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA)

• 2017 – Jerzy Janowicz (POL)

• 2018 – Matteo Berrettini (ITA)

• 2019 – Jannik Sinner (ITA)

• 2020 – Not awarded (finalists: Enzo Couacaud, Illya Marchenko)

• 2021 – Holger Rune (DEN)

• 2022 – Otto Virtanen (FIN)

• 2023 – Jack Draper (GBR)

• 2024 (in Rovereto) – Luca Nardi (ITA)