Arevalo/Pavic save 1 championship point to capture Rome title

Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic turned heartbreak into glory Sunday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, where they claimed their third ATP Masters 1000 of the season.

The top seeds, who were defeated in last year’s final, saved a championship point before edging French duo Sadio Doumbia/Fabien Reboul 6-4, 6-7(6), 13-11. After also triumphing in Indian Wells and Miami this year, Arevalo and Pavic improved to 29-7 on the season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“It means a lot, I’m really emotional now,” said Arevalo. “I love this tournament. Since the first time I played here, I had a connection with the city. I’m just really happy that we were able to win this match, because it was a true battle. It could have gone either way. Mate and I stayed together, even when we saved match point. That was the key to being able to turn it around and get the title.”

The unstoppable duo in the Eternal City 🏛️@CheloArevaloATP and Mate Pavic soar to their third Masters 1000 title of the season, defeating Doumbia/Reboul 6-4 6-7(6) 13-11!@InteBNLdItalia | #IBI25 pic.twitter.com/R3g3B8FPcT

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 18, 2025

Arevalo and Pavic delivered a gutsy display throughout the two-hour, eight-minute contest, during which they saved a championship point at 9/10 in the Match Tie-break before improving to 4-1 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series with the Frenchmen. Arevalo/Pavic also extended its lead as the No. 1 team in the PIF ATP Live Doubles Rankings: Now 760 points ahead of second-placed Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten.

“I think it’s just pure confidence,” Pavic said when asked of their ability to come through tight contests. “We’ve been winning a lot of matches, we’ve already lifted Masters 1000 titles, so you feel confident. I guess we have that edge against any other team.”

Pavic (42) and Arevalo (40) boast the most tour-level doubles titles among active players. They now head to the ATP 250 in Geneva for the final event before their title defence at Roland Garros.

“It’s also super special that I have all my family here,” added Arevalo. “Both of my parents are here, my two kids, my wife, my coach, and Mate’s family also. So it’s pretty special.”