Borna Coric, currently ranked 120th globally, has recently made headlines with his back-to-back conquests in the Challenger circuit, bolstering his winning streak and inching him closer to a triumphant return to the top-100. The Croat, a former world no. 12 and Masters 1000 champion, has been fighting an uphill battle to reclaim his standing on the ATP level, with his performances wavering over the past couple of years.
Despite a sluggish start to his 2025 campaign, Coric’s fortunes took a turn for the better when he arrived in Lugano. Here, he broke his string of four consecutive losses, going on to clinch two Challenger titles in quick succession. This winning streak has no doubt injected a much-needed boost of confidence, setting the stage for his future challenges.
Coric’s latest victory came on the indoor hard court of Thionville, where he entered as the top seed. The Croat’s winning streak remained unbroken as he wiped out Paul Jubb with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 victory in just 70 minutes. Emil Ruusuvuori’s retirement in the second round further propelled Coric into the quarter-final after a brief 65-minute match.
When up against Aziz Dougaz in the last eight, Coric exhibited the prowess that once made him a top-12 player, clinching a 6-4, 6-2 win in 69 minutes. This victory saw him drop a mere seven points in his games, an impressive feat that only amplified his dominance.
The semi-final brought a formidable challenge from the 7th seed Alibek Kachmazov. Yet, Coric emerged victorious with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 score after an intense two hours and 17 minutes on the court.
The title clash saw Coric face off against the 24-year-old Arthur Bouquier. With more experience under his belt, Coric secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory in an hour and 41 minutes, marking his fifth Challenger title and his second in consecutive weeks.
The victory was not a walk in the park, with Bouquier giving Coric a run for his money. The Frenchman was particularly strong behind his first serve but struggled to maintain his momentum on the second. Despite facing 11 break points, Bouquier succumbed three times, giving Coric the upper hand.
Coric showcased his resilience by denying five of six break points, overcoming an early deficit in the second set. Despite missing break opportunities at the start of the match, Coric saved a crucial break point at 2-3 and seized his chance on the return at 4-4.
Bouquier’s double fault proved costly, putting him behind and allowing Coric to serve for the set at 5-4. With a service winner in his pocket, Coric wrapped up the opener in 42 minutes.
The second set saw Bouquier momentarily regain his footing, securing his only break after a wild forehand from Coric. However, Coric’s resilience shone through once again as he saved four break points and launched a successful counter-attack at 1-3.
Coric’s backhand down the line winner at the net clinched the break back, setting him up for a 5-3 lead. Despite Bouquier’s valiant effort to save two match points, Coric served for the title at 5-4, landing a service winner on match point to seal the deal and lift the trophy.
This series of victories paints a promising picture for Coric’s return to the top-100. With his winning streak on the rise and a renewed confidence in his stride, Coric’s upcoming challenges are bound to be a spectacle to watch.