Federico Cina Saves 5 Match Points to Win MahaOpen ATP Challenger Title

The Italian secured his maiden Challenger title with a 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (1) win at the Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Stadium on Sunday, as per a press release.

The tournament is being organised by Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) in association with the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Maharashtra, PCMC, PMC and PMDTA, and was sponsored by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

In a thrilling contest lasting 2 hours and 29 minutes, Cina held his nerve in the decisive tie-break to prevail 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(1). The Italian looked in control after taking the opening set 6-3 with aggressive baseline play and solid serving. However, Gill fought back strongly in the second set, breaking at a crucial stage to level the match at one set apiece.

The third set witnessed high-quality rallies and intense baseline exchanges, with neither player willing to concede ground. Sina was down five times on his serve at 5-6 with his back to the wall and facing match points, but he valiantly fought his way back every time to disappoint Felix in front of a capacity crowd backing him.

He held on to force a third-set tie-break in which the 18-year-old Cina, a native of Palermo, raised his level remarkably, dominating the breaker 7-1 to seal the championship in commanding fashion.

The singles champion was awarded the trophy, USD 17,000 and 75 ATP ranking points, while the runner-up received the trophy, USD 9,600 and 40 ATP ranking points.

The prizes were presented by Prithviraj B.P, Additional Municipal Commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation, along with Prashant Sutar, President MSLTA, Sunder Iyer, Hon. Secretary MSLTA, Rajiv Desai, Joint Secretary MSLTA, and ATP Supervisor Rogerio Santos. Referee Leena Nageshkar was also present on the occasion. Singles Final: Federico Cina [6] (ITA) bt Felix Gill (GBR) 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (1).

- ANI