BAKIO/STARNBERG, June 30, 2024
Frenchman Clement Chidekh claimed the title of the 39th edition of the Open Kiroleta – ‘Bakio Udala’ Saria. The top seed of the ITF World Tennis Tour M25 event in Bakio defeated his compatriot and No. 2 seed Robin Bertrand in Saturday’s final 7-6(3), 6-3 after two hours and 13 minutes.
This win marks Chidekh’s ninth title in his professional career and his fourth of the year, following victories earlier in 2024 at the ITF Pro Circuit events in Toulouse and Grenoble as well as the ATP Challenger in Glasgow. At the age of 23 and ranked 274th in the world, Chidekh showcased his prowess on the hard courts of Bakio throughout the week, confirming his strong form.
In the final, Chidekh impressed with his composed shot selection and particularly with his backhand, crucial in the fast-paced match against Bertrand.
CLEMENT CHIDEKH, GANADOR DE LA 39 EDICIDIÓN DEL OPEN KIROLETA. ZORIONAAAAK!!!!!
El marsellés, 274 ATP, se ha impuesto a su compatriota Bertrand por 7-6 (3) y 6-3. pic.twitter.com/jIRB1mpKlU
— ITF Kiroleta Bakio 25.000$ (@openkiroleta) June 29, 2024
“I am very satisfied with the week of tennis I was able to play in Bakio. In recent weeks, I had played more on clay and grass, but I adapted well to this hard surface. I want to keep growing, and these victories help a lot in building confidence. It was a very tough final, but I was accurate in the small details, and I think that was the key,” Chidekh said.
Chidekh now joins a prestigious list of winners at Bakio, succeeding previous champions such as Portugal’s Henrique Rocha and Czech Republic’s Dominik Palan. He earned $3,600 in prize money, 25 ATP Ranking points as well as the famous “Txapela”, the traditional Basque beret.
The tournament director, Igor Del Busto, praised the event’s success despite challenging weather conditions, highlighting the presence of top ATP-ranked players and the enthusiastic support from the Bakio spectators throughout the week.
The Open Kiroleta was held at the Club de Tennis Basigo in Bakio, a charming coastal town located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Nestled between lush green hills and the azure waters of the Bay of Biscay, Bakio is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach and stunning natural landscapes. This small town is a popular destination for surfers due to its excellent waves and vibrant surf culture.
Bakio is also famous for its wineries, producing the regional txakoli wine. Visitors can enjoy picturesque hiking trails, particularly the scenic path to the nearby San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic islet with a historic hermitage. With its blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich Basque heritage, Bakio offers a delightful retreat for travelers.
