PORTO/STARNBERG, August 3, 2025
Moez Echargui had already fallen in love with the city of Porto – now, after this Sunday, he will never forget it. At 32 years old, the Tunisian captured the biggest title of his career at the Eupago Porto Open, clinching his maiden ATP Challenger trophy in a fairytale week that capped off the 27th edition of the tournament in front of a packed crowd at the Monte Aventino Sports Complex.
Previously the owner of 13 ITF Pro Circuit titles, all won in his native Tunisia – including five already in 2025 – World No. 312 Echargui took full advantage of his golden momentum in Porto. In a masterclass final, he overpowered No. 6 seed Francesco Maestrelli of Italy 6-3, 6-2 in just 76 minutes, delivering one of the finest performances of his career to seal a moment he had long dreamed of.
Coming from the qualifying draw, the Tunisian tallied his seventh win of the week and 53rd of the season, prevailing in a final that felt almost like an all-Italian affair, as Echargui has lived in Milan for years and speaks the language fluently. Despite it being their first official meeting, the two finalists knew each other well from practicing together, but Echargui left no room for sentiment on court and didn’t drop serve once during the entire final.
Qualifier ➡️ Porto Champ
Moez Echargui takes out Maestrelli in straight sets for his first Challenger title! #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/LppApkbTMr
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 3, 2025
After gritty wins in the quarterfinal, where he rallied from a set and 3-1 down, and a clutch semi-final in which he saved a set point, Echargui delivered a flawless display in the championship match, combining composure, firepower, and tactical sharpness. Under the blazing Porto sun, he ignited Court Eupago with his inspired tennis, collapsing to the ground in tears after the final point – a mix of joy and relief from a player who has overcome numerous injuries and setbacks across his journey.
“I already had many titles at home, and now I have one more – Porto is my home away from home,” Echargui said during the on-court ceremony.
The La Marsa native also expressed deep gratitude to the fans: “The crowd was amazing again, the atmosphere was fantastic. They supported me so much and made me feel like I was playing in Tunisia, but I was in Porto.”
Reflecting on the final, he added: “I think this was one of my best matches, especially mentally. Coming from qualifying, I had nothing to lose, and I think he felt more pressure. I stayed calm, focused on each point. Looking back, I was almost in a trance. I didn’t think, I just played, and everything worked.”
Echargui earned € 20,630 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points. He will rise to a career-high ranking of World No. 211 on Monday, soaring past his previous best of No. 271. That milestone victory places him firmly on course for a potential Grand Slam debut at the 2026 Australian Open.
