QUIMPER/STARNBERG, January 28, 2024
Pierre-Hugues Herbert has clinched his first singles title since 2016, lifting the trophy of the Open de Quimper Bretagne Occidentale. The 32-year-old Frenchman, who entered the main draw of the €148,625 ATP Challenger Tour indoor hard-court event, defeated unseeded Croatian Duje Ajdukovic 6-3, 6-2 in Sunday’s final.
Quimper, nestled in the heart of Brittany, France, is a picturesque city that effortlessly blends its rich history with modern charm. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Quimper offers a delightful experience for both residents and visitors.
Herbert battled his way to the championship match through the bottom half of the draw with wins over fifth-seeded US-American Michael Mmoh, French lucky loser Tristan Lamasine, No. 2 seed Arthur Rinderknech of France and local wild card entry Matteo Martineau.
In front of packed stands with 2,500 spectators inside the Parc Des Expositions De Quimper Cornouaille, Herbert dominated the final right from the beginning. The World No. 252 struck six aces and won 93 per cent of his first-service points to prevail after one hour and five minutes.
Champion 🫶#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/CcivMohZW2
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) January 28, 2024
Herbert admitted to “love coming to Brittany with a passionate audience and unwavering support throughout the week. The work put in over the past few weeks is paying off. May it continue,” he said.
Herbert also spoke of the “shared love, the happiness of living things peacefully” and emotionally dedicated this victory to his wife and two children, acknowledging the very challenging moments he has faced in recent months.
By winning his fifth ATP Challenger Tour career title, his second in Quimper after 2014, the five-time Grand Slam champion in doubles earned €20,300 in prize money as well as 125 ATP Ranking points.
Frenchmen take doubles title
Earlier in the day, Manuel Guinard and Arthur Rinderknech captured the doubles title. The French duo upset No. 2 seeds Anirudh Chandrasek and Vijay Sundar Prashanth of India 7-6(4), 6-3 in the final. The encounter lasted one hour and 24 minutes.
By winning their second team title after the 2020 Drummondville Challenger in Canada, Guinard and Rinderknech split €8,450 and earned 125 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
