Portugal’s Nuno Borges closed his 2023 season in the very best method: successful an ATP Challenger Tour title on dwelling 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 received Challenger titles in Monterrey, Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona, the place he lifted the primary title of the all-new 175 class.
“It’s definitely the best season of my career,” Borges said. “Last year I had the chance to play some ATP tournaments and the Grand Slams, but in 2023 I was a regular on the tour and got to live amazing experiences like facing [Carlos] Alcaraz in Barcelona or [Stefanos] Tsitsipas in Rome, the kind of matches that make me feel what it’s like to play at the highest level. And in 2024 I’ll be looking for more.”
In addition to the good success Borges already tasted this 12 months, his clay-court triumph at house is a reminiscence that the World No. 66 won’t quickly neglect.
“Right after successful the match level I began fascinated by all of the moments I lived right here. I spent numerous hours [here],” Borges stated. “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’ll all the time cherish, particularly as a result of it occurred in entrance of my household and my childhood associates. It’s undoubtedly one thing very particular for me and I’ll always remember it.”
[ATP AWARDS]
In different ATP Challenger Tour motion Sunday, Aleksandar Kovacevic turned the fifth participant to win 4 titles at that stage 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 Men+Care Temuco remaining. The former University 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 is 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: Challenger Dove Men+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 received 12 of his previous 14 matches with two title runs.
Zizou Bergs wins the Yokkaichi Challenger. Credit: Yokkaichi Challenger
In Maspalomas, Spain, dwelling 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 Hotels Maspalomas Challenger remaining to seize his second Challenger crown of this 12 months (Brest).
The Maspalomas Challenger marks Martinez’s third triumph at dwelling, having beforehand received 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 received his fifth title at that stage. Credit: eó Hotels Maspalomas Challenger
Source web site: www.atptour.com
