‘CONFIDENCE GREW’: AUSSIE BOUZIGE ENJOYS CAREER-BEST WEEK IN NOUMEA

25-year-old Australian Moreani Bouzige has enjoyed the best week of his tennis life in New Caledonia, reaching his maiden ATP Challenger final.

The world No.517 had just two career wins at the level before this week but found career-best form to defeat three top 200 players on his way to the final.

Speaking to The First Serve from New Caledonia, Bouzige acknowledged that he even surprised himself with his level, but equally, felt confident in his game against higher-ranked opponents.

“It was a bit of a surprise, even for me,” Bouzige said.

“I went out even against those top guys, and I felt really confident, even though I haven’t played too many of them or beaten too many of them before,” he explained.

“I came off a couple of good weeks in New Zealand, played a lot of matches, so I was feeling pretty match fit. Once I got that first win, I started to get on a bit of a roll, and my confidence grew.”

Acknowledging the fine margins that separate ITF, Challenger, and ATP-level players, Bouzige noted that consistency and composure in big moments are what generally set the higher-ranked players apart.

"Those better guys probably strike the ball about the same as some of the lower-ranked players. But they play those bigger points a bit better, and they’re more consistent week in and week out. That’s the biggest difference."

For the Aussie, however, this week was about staying in the moment.

"I’ve learned to enjoy what I’m doing because I know it’s not going to last forever. I’m pretty fortunate to travel so much and play in some cool places," Bouzige said.

"If I can get results with that, so be it, but at the moment I’m just taking it for what it is and enjoying every moment."

This mature outlook has helped reshape his experience on tour, with Bouzige now embracing the grind of travel and the camaraderie among Australian players.

"When I was younger, I’d just go from the hotel to the courts and not really see much, and I enjoyed it less back then," he admitted.

"Now, I try to explore, visit the culture, see the places, and try new foods, which makes it much more enjoyable. The Aussie guys are great to travel with too; it makes the whole experience better."

This week, Nouméa itself – the capital of New Caledonia and a city located two-hours from Brisbane by plane – played a significant role in his positive experience.

"[Nouméa] is unreal. The hotel is right at the courts, on the beach, and the tournament takes care of you so well," he said.

"The atmosphere is incredible for a Challenger tournament. I reckon there were over a thousand people there yesterday watching the final. And I had heaps of friends and family there as well."

Although Bouzige has his sights set on training back home and upcoming events in Brisbane and Tasmania before heading to Europe, his main focus remains on savouring the opportunities that tennis provides.

"For me, a goal has been to compete hard every match and enjoy what I’m doing. If I get results, great, but I’m really just focused on making the most of the time I have on tour," he said.

The Aussie has soared over 100 places in the ATP rankings to No.410 and will be one to keep an eye on as the 2025 season unfolds.

Elsewhere on the ATP Challenger / ITF Circuit:

Also making up the Aussie contingent in Nouméa, 26-year-old Blake Bayldon won his first ATP Challenger doubles title, partnering Colin Sinclair.

The week sees Bayldon's live doubles ranking jump to No.161, up from No.334 twelve months ago.

At the ITF 125K event in Canberra, Aussie pair Jaimee Fourlis and Petra Hule came through super tiebreaks in their semi-final and final to claim the title.

For both Fourlis and Hule, it is a maiden doubles title at the level and sees their rankings rise to No.140 and No.170 respectively.

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