BAD RAPPENAU, June 8, 2025
The NECKARCUP has written many memorable chapters in its ten-year history – but the debut edition in Bad Rappenau topped them all. Despite April-like weather in June, multiple rain delays, and plenty of last-minute improvisation, organizers, players, and fans embodied true Challenger spirit. And that spirit was rewarded on finals Sunday: just before sunset, Ignacio Buse captured his first ATP Challenger Tour career title – a perfect ending to an unforgettable tournament week.
Cool, composed, and clutch when it mattered most, the 21-year-old Peruvian outlasted Guy den Ouden of the Netherlands, winning 7-5, 7-5 after 96 minutes on the Hörtkorn Centre Court. Buse converted three of his six break-point chances to seal the deal.
This incredible feeling of winning your first @ATPChallenger title!
Ignacio Buse is the late-night winner at the 2025 #NECKARCUP fighting past Guy den Ouden 7-5 7-5.#ATPChallenger #BadRappenau pic.twitter.com/WoMGfKgkOd
— NECKARCUP 2.0 (@NeckarH) June 8, 2025
“This is such an important win for me. I’ve worked so hard for this,” Buse said emotionally afterward. “It was a tough week with all the weather disruptions, but I stayed calm and I’m just really happy today.
“We honestly didn’t expect to finish the final today. But somehow the sun came out one last time and we were able to get back on court. This has been a week I’ll never forget. Despite the rain, it was a great experience shared with a lot of amazing people.”
Due to the late-night finish, Buse missed his scheduled flight to Barcelona – but he’ll have time to celebrate the victory with his coach from the TEC Carles Ferrer Salat Academy. A winner’s check for €20,630 and a valuable 100 ATP Ranking points will make the evening even sweeter.
Kirkov/Stevens Take the Doubles Crown
In the doubles final, top-seeded Germans Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner once again fell just short of the title. After finishing runners-up in Heilbronn last year, the Bavarian pair lost a close final in Bad Rappenau to Vasil Kirkov and Bart Stevens. The US-American-Dutch duo prevailed 7–6(5), 4–6, 10–7 after one hour and 34 minutes of play.
It was Kirkov’s ninth ATP Challenger doubles title and Stevens’ eleventh. Together, they celebrated their third team title – and their second of the season following the Wuxi Open in China in May.
“Just like last year, the match tiebreak slipped away from us,” Wallner admitted afterward. “But Vasil played incredibly well today.”
Kirkov addressed the fans in closing: “Thank you all for staying. You made this tournament something truly special.”
