VIC, May 24, 2016

Jaume Munar captured his first title on the ITF Pro Circuit, winning Sunday’s final of the $10,000 Future in Vic against Alex de Minaur 7-6, 7-5.

The teenager from Mallorca, who turned 19 on May 5, hit four aces and capitalized on six of his 14 break point chances to celebrate his first triumph on senior’s level after one hour and 57 minutes.

The world number 454 is Spain’s highest ranked under 20-male player. A couple of the most important titles in tennis were guaranteed for the country in the past. Carlos Moya, Juan-Carlos Ferrero and Rafael Nadal even climbed on the top of the rankings. If it continues, will be more than uncertain. When there is talk of the new generation on the ATP World Tour, no Spanish male name is part of these discussions.

Munar is the Spanish number 32, followed by fellow 19-year-olds Pedro Martínez Portero (World No. 464), who lifted his first ITF trophy in Pula in March and Bernabe Zapate Miralles (World No. 487). Munar finished runner-up to Andrey Rublev at Roland Garros Junior French Championships in 2014 and captured the doubles title one year later, partnering Álvaro López San Martín.

Like Nadal, Munar is from Mallorca and maybe he can rely on special support from the 14 time Grand Slam titlist. When Nadal played in Hamburg last year, he also asked for a main draw wild card for his compatriot. In Germany Munar has gained his only ATP-level-win so far benefitting from the retirement of Guillermo Garcia-López. He eventually lost to Simone Bolelli in the second round after a three-sets-battle.

His first ATP match came in April 2015 in Barcelona, where the Frenchman Benoit Paire let him away with a mere four games. Munar returned to the Banc Sabadell Open this year but lost again in the opening round to Albert Ramos. Two weeks later, he was beaten by Dusan Lajovic at the Mutua Madrid Open. His further career will be of interest – not only for the Spanish Tennis Federation.