SALINAS/STARNBERG, July 30, 2023

Illya Marchenko has captured his first title since 2021 by lifting the trophy of the $80,000 Challenger de Salinas Copa Banco Guayaquil, held on the hard courts of the the Salinas Golf & Tennis Club in Ecuador.

The 35-year-old Ukrainian defeated Croatian qualifier Matija Pecotic 6-4, 6-4 in Saturday’s singles final. Marchenko sent down five aces and won 69 per cent of his first-service points to secure victory in two hours and one minute.

The moment @imarchello captured the 9th Challenger title of his career!#ATPChallenger | @SalinasOpenEc pic.twitter.com/fN4cX4iQ6V

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) July 29, 2023

“Before starting the Challenger, I wanted to win it. Those are always my expectations. Of course, I didn’t start as one of the top favorites, and I had to play some tough matches. I’m always fighting, and that was the key to achieve it,” the World No. 328 said. The final was played under scorching temperatures, forcing the players to draw on their physical stamina. Despite the challenging conditions, the duel provided many spectacular rallies.

“The conditions are difficult, the heat and humidity will always be tough, but it wasn’t as hot as in other places. It’s still hot, but the balls get a bit harder, rallies become a bit longer, points are extended, and one gets tired. However, you have to be smart to win matches and know where you can save some energy to raise the intensity in other moments,” Marchenko added

Marchenko, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 49 in September 2016, claimed his ninth ATP Challenger career title and earned $10,840 in prize money as well as 75 ATP Ranking points.