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Portugal’s Nuno Borges closed his 2023 season in the absolute best method: successful an ATP Challenger Tour title on residence soil.
The 26-year-old dropped only one set all week en path to successful the Maia Open, the place he downed Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-4 within the remaining. Borges additionally gained Challenger titles in Monterrey, Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona, the place he lifted the primary title of the all-new 175 class.
“It’s undoubtedly the most effective season of my profession,” Borges mentioned. “Final 12 months I had the prospect to play some ATP tournaments and the Grand Slams, however in 2023 I used to be an everyday on the tour and bought to reside wonderful experiences like dealing with [Carlos] Alcaraz in Barcelona or [Stefanos] Tsitsipas in Rome, the form of matches that make me really feel what it is wish to play on the highest degree. And in 2024 I will be on the lookout for extra.”
Along with the good success Borges already tasted this 12 months, his clay-court triumph at house is a reminiscence that the World No. 66 is not going to quickly neglect.
“Proper after successful the match level I began excited about all of the moments I lived right here. I spent numerous hours [here],” Borges mentioned. “Watching the Davis Cup, being a ball child in a Davis Cup tie. To turn out to be a part of the group of champions right here in Maia is one thing I will all the time cherish, particularly as a result of it occurred in entrance of my household and my childhood mates. It is undoubtedly one thing very particular for me and I will always remember it.”
[ATP AWARDS]
In different ATP Challenger Tour motion Sunday, Aleksandar Kovacevic grew to become the fifth participant to win 4 titles at that degree in 2023, becoming a member of Mariano Navone (5), Facundo Diaz Acosta (4), Thiago Seyboth Wild (4) and Alejandro Tabilo (4).
Kovacevic, 25, rallied previous Brazilian Gilbert Klier Junior 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 within the Challenger Dove Males+Care Temuco remaining. The previous College of Illinois standout wanted a deciding set in three of his 5 matches to carry the trophy.
Kovacevic additionally triumphed in Cleveland, Waco and Shenzhen this season and closes the 12 months at World No. 110, 9 spots shy of tying his profession excessive. He’s the second American to win 4 Challenger titles in a season (Justin Gimelstob, 2004).
Aleksandar Kovacevic wins his fourth ATP Challenger Tour title of 2023 in Temuco, Chile. Credit score: Challenger Dove Males+Care Temuco
Belgian Zizou Bergs lifted his third Challenger trophy of the 12 months by successful the Yokkaichi, Japan, the place he downed American Michael Mmoh 6-2, 7-6(2) within the remaining.
Bergs, who’s No. 129 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, suffered a left wrist damage in July which pressured him to hit solely slice backhands for 3 months. Since returning to full well being final month, the 24-year-old has gained 12 of his previous 14 matches with two title runs.
Zizou Bergs wins the Yokkaichi Challenger. Credit score: Yokkaichi Challenger
In Maspalomas, Spain, residence favorite Pedro Martinez handled the followers to a title run. The 26-year-old overcame Swiss qualifier Kilian Feldbausch 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 within the eó Accommodations Maspalomas Challenger remaining to seize his second Challenger crown of this 12 months (Brest).
The Maspalomas Challenger marks Martinez’s third triumph at residence, having beforehand gained in Marbella in 2020 and Seville in 2021.
Feldbausch, 18, was competing in his first Challenger remaining and with the title, he would have been behind solely Roger Federer because the second-youngest Swiss champion in Challenger historical past.
Pedro Martinez in motion on the Maspalomas Challenger, the place he gained his fifth title at that degree. Credit score: eó Accommodations Maspalomas Challenger
from Tennis – ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/ZWf7Cy9
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