After a challenging period of performance in the ATP circuit, Borna Coric, the Croatian star, staged a remarkable comeback by notching up a trio of consecutive titles. This latest victory at the Zadar Challenger brings him back among the top 100 players, marking a significant turnaround from his slump at the start of the season.
Opting to re-establish his form and boost his self-assurance, Coric made a strategic decision to return to the Challenger tournaments. This move has evidently paid off, as he emerged victorious in three consecutive tournaments, thereby propelling him back into the game’s elite echelons. His successful journey included triumphs at Lugano and Thionville on an indoor court, followed by a brief reprieve before clinching the Zadar Challenger on home turf.
The Zadar victory, in particular, was a momentous occasion for Coric, as he was cheered on by his family, friends, and ardent fans who turned up in large numbers to support their local hero.
The final match of the Zadar Challenger saw Coric, the third seed, battling against the fifth-seeded Valentin Royer. Despite Royer claiming the first set, Coric made an impressive comeback with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory after a match lasting over two hours. A rain interruption in the sixth game of the final set did little to deter Coric, who returned to the court 70 minutes later to secure the win and set off jubilant celebrations.
Coric showcased his superior experience and skill throughout the match. Serving at 71%, he outdid Royer in both first and second serves, scoring 11 points more than his younger opponent. He saved an impressive four of six break points while also managing to win four return games out of six opportunities.
The match began with Royer denying a break point in the inaugural game, followed by a successful break of Coric’s serve in the subsequent game, due to a backhand error from Coric. Royer then managed to hold his serve twice and subsequently established a 4-1 lead. Coric, however, denied three break points in the sixth game, keeping himself in contention. Despite Royer serving out the first set at 5-3, Coric made a strong comeback in the second set.
The Croatian star kicked off the second set on a high note, leaving Royer trailing far behind. Coric clinched 20 out of the first 22 points and broke Royer’s serve twice. He maintained his momentum into the final set, closing the first game with a backhand down the line winner before a brief rain interruption.
With a 2-0 lead, Coric capitalised on a forehand error from Royer and managed to hold his serve comfortably in the third and fifth games, taking a 4-1 lead before another extended rain delay. On the resumption of play, Coric managed to save a break point in the seventh game with a service winner, extending his lead to 5-2.
Royer, in a bid to stay in the match, won the eighth game with a tactical drop shot. However, Coric kept his nerve while serving for the title at 5-3. He managed to elicit an error from Royer, earning match points and subsequently closing out the win with an unreturned serve. This victory marked Coric’s third Challenger title within a month, signifying a triumphant return to form for the former world no. 12.
