A Challenger Upset: Cholic Prevails After Grueling Battle

In a captivating final at teh credit Agricole Explorevance Open in Aix-en-Provence, France, Borna Cholic of Croatia triumphed over Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka in a hard-fought three-set match. The final score was 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) after an intense 3-hour and 11-minute contest on the clay courts.

Cholic’s victory denied Wawrinka, a former world number three and now 40 years old, the chance to become the oldest champion in Challenger Tour history. Despite a valiant effort, Wawrinka couldn’t overcome Cholic’s resilience in the decisive moments.

Wawrinka’s Road to the Final: A resurgent Run

Wawrinka, entering the tournament as a wild card, showcased impressive form throughout the week. His path to the final included victories over Ugo Blanchet, top seed Alexei Popyrin, Nishesh Basavareddy, and fellow Croatian Borna Gojo, whom he defeated 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals. This strong showing demonstrated Wawrinka’s enduring competitiveness on the ATP Challenger circuit.

Cholic’s Championship Pedigree: A Season of Success

Cholic, currently ranked within the top 100 and a former world number 12, entered the Aix-en-Provence Challenger with significant momentum. He had already secured three Challenger titles this season, highlighting his consistent performance and hunger for victory. In this tournament, he overcame Iñaki Buzze, a qualifier from Peru, with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, to secure his spot in the semi-finals.

Match Highlights: A Back-and-Forth Affair

The final was a tense affair marked by tight sets and crucial tiebreakers. In the first set, both players held serve, leading to a tiebreaker where Wawrinka initially held a 5-3 lead. Though, a series of errors allowed Cholic to claw back, but Wawrinka managed to secure the set with a timely ace.

Cholic responded strongly in the second set, breaking Wawrinka’s serve early and maintaining the advantage to level the match.The deciding set saw both players exchange breaks before heading into another tiebreaker. Despite saving a match point, Wawrinka ultimately succumbed to Cholic’s pressure, sending a forehand just wide after a long rally.

“It was a tough match, Stan played incredibly well. I had to fight for every point.”

Borna Cholic, post-match interview

Ancient Context: Wawrinka vs. cholic Head-to-Head

Prior to this final, wawrinka held a 4-1 advantage in head-to-head matches against Cholic, including previous encounters on the Challenger circuit. Though, Cholic’s victory in Aix-en-Provence marks a significant moment in their rivalry, demonstrating his growth and ability to compete at the highest level.

The Future of Challenger Tennis: A Platform for Rising Stars and Seasoned Pros

the ATP Challenger tour continues to serve as a vital platform for both emerging talents and established players seeking to regain form. Tournaments like the Credit Agricole Explorevance Open provide crucial opportunities for players to hone their skills, earn ranking points, and build momentum for success on the ATP Tour. The blend of experienced veterans like Wawrinka and rising stars like Cholic creates compelling narratives and showcases the depth of talent within professional tennis.