ISMANING, November 5, 2023
Antoine Bellier has capped his dream week at the Wolffkran Open by Tannenhof, clinching the title of the ATP Challenger Tour carpet tournament in Ismaning, Germany. The 27-year-old battled his way through the qualifying into the singles final, in which he outlasted home favourite and No. 2 seed Maximilian Marterer 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-6(6) on Sunday.
In front of packed stands at the Tennis Club Ismaning, Bellier fired 26 aces, saved all three break points he faced, won one point less than his opponent but secured victory in two hours and 24 minutes.
Sealed with a backhand winner 🚀
In a tough battle, @antoine_bellier fights past Marterer 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-6(6) to claim the title in Ismaning!#ATPChallenger | @swiss_tennis pic.twitter.com/EmJmCMfTOp
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 5, 2023
“I came to this tournament without any expectations, made it through the qualies and ended up winning the tournament. I am very happy. I played at a very good level. It’s a nice feeling,” said Bellier, who celebrated his second success on carpet after lifting the trophy at an ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Sarreguemines, France four years ago.
“There were only a few points, which made the difference. It was really close. You need to hold your serve and then it’s tie-break, where the chances are 50-50.”
By winning his second ATP Challenger Tour career title following his maiden triumph at the San Luis Open in Mexico last year, Bellier pocketed € 9,880 in prize money as well as 75 ATP Ranking points.
