SEVILLA, September 9, 2023
On the final day of the LX Copa Sevilla, the home crowd had plenty to cheer about as their favorite, Roberto Carballes Baena, successfully defended his title against Calvin Hemery of France. This victory not only marked a remarkable achievement for the top seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 125 event, but also carried a special significance as it was the last edition of the tournament held on the unique yellow clay courts.
In front of packed stands and under the lights on Pista Central at the Real Club de Tenis Betis, Carballes Baena set the tone early in Saturday evening’s final. The top seed broke his rival’s serve in the eighth game to win the opening set after 42 minutes. Carballes Baena, who was born in Tenerife but is based in Granada, situated only 250 kilometres away from Sevilla, continued to dominate most of the rallies in the second set. The World No. 63 won 59 per cent of the total points played to secure victory in one hour and 31 minutes.
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Following his triumph last year at the same place, Carballes Baena earned his second Copa Sevilla trophy and 11th ATP Challenger Tour title overall. He pocketed €19,650 in prize money as well as 125 ATP Ranking points.
“I did a great week. I had a tough match yesterday but was very focused on my game today. I played a very good match,” Carballes Baena told Tennis TourTalk. “For me it is a special week, as I am here with my friends and family. I can enjoy the tournament as well as the time off the court. I am very happy.”
As a now two-time champion on the albero, is he a bit sad about the fact that the surface will switch to the usual red dirt next season? “I am not sad,” Carballes Baena stated. “I love to play here not because of the albero but because of the people.”
After reaching the biggest final of his career, Hemery was also pleased with his week in Andalucia. “I will remember the tournament forever,” the 28-year-old said during the trophy ceremony. “I felt like home from the first day here. People were really nice. Unfortunately, I wasn’t physically in best shape today but I hopefully I will be back next year.” He earned €11,570 in prize money and 75 ATP Ranking points.
Barroso Campos/Martinez triumph in doubles
Earlier in the evening, Alberto Barroso Campos and Pedro Martinez delighted their home crowd by winning the doubles title. The unseeded Spaniards fought past fourth favourites N. Sriram Balaji of India and Fernando Romboli from Brazil 3-6, 7-6(5), 11-9 in the final, which lasted one hour and 51 minutes.
By winning their first team title since the 2016 Orysol ITF Futures in Spain and first at Challenger level, Barroso Campos and Martinez split € 8,444 in prize money and earned 125 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
“We played a good final. Maybe we were a bit more aggressive towards the end of the match. We were positive the whole time and I am happy that it worked out,” Barroso Campos told Tennis TourTalk.
“I have known Pedro since we were 10 years old. We are close friends. Winning my first Challenger title with him, means a lot to me. It’s amazing.”
#CopaSevillaChallenger PISTA 1 – Final dobles | Fernando Romboli N. Sriram Balaji VS Pedro Martínez A. Barroso-Campos pic.twitter.com/vTYWAsPUt6
— Copa Sevilla (@CopaSevillaCh) September 9, 2023
