PHOENIX/STARNBERG, March 17, 2024

Two former Phoenix champions have returned to the singles final of the Arizona Tennis Classic, as Italian wild card entry Matteo Berrettini and Nuno Borges of Portugal will go head-to-head on Sunday.

Due to persistent rain over the last two days, 2019 titlist Berrettini had to complete doubles duty on Saturday. He rallied past French qualifier Terence Atmane 3-6, 7-6(1), 7-6(6) in his quarterfinal match followed by a 7-6(2), 7-6(2) victory in the semis over Aleksandar Vukic from Australia. The 27-year-old Rome native fired 13 aces against Vukic and won 54 per cent of the total points played to advance in two hours and 15 minutes.

First final since 2022 💪

Matteo Berrettini is through to the Phoenix final besting Vukic 7-6(2), 7-6(2)!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/2b8Ah9FiQ0

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 17, 2024

“I did so much work over the last [six] months that I couldn’t compete,” said Berrettini, who is playing his first tournament of the season. “I really pushed through. So many sad moments unfortunately and I think that’s where I found the energy today, I just thought about the injuries and [those] moments. I’m just enjoying my time on court.”

Borges beats van Assche

Borges fought past Frenchman Luca Van Assche 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. The No. 5 seed and defending champion of the ATP Challenger Tour 175 tournament capitalized on six of his 11 break-point chances to prevail after two hours and 34 minutes.

“I really thought I lost it after that second set. I was up a break twice,” said Borges, who reached the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open. “That’s when I really started to struggle serving and he made it really physical from the beginning. I just gave it my best. I’m really proud of myself and how I fought.”

Borges is seeking his sixth ATP Challenger career title. Berrettini could lift his fourth Challenger trophy. The pair will meet for the first time.