TROYES/STARNBERG, July 7, 2024
French teenager Gabriel Debru has clinched his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour. The 18-year-old and current Junior World No. 1 lifted the trophy of the third edition of the Internationaux de Tennis de Troyes. Debru outlasted No. 3 seed Timofey Skatov from Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-7(1), 7-5 in Sunday’s singles final.
Debru battled his way into the championship match of the €36,900 clay-court event through the bottom half of the draw. He benefited from the retirement of No. 2 Calvin Hemery of France in the first round followed by wins over No. 8 seed Martin Landaluce of Spain as well as local wild card entry Lilian Marmousez.
Debru struck eight aces in the final, winning 70 per cent of his first-service points. The 2022 Roland Garros Junior champion converted five of his six break-point opportunities to secure victory in three hours and 22 minutes.
3 hours and 22 minutes later…
18-year-old @gabriel_debru fights past Skatov 6-3, 6-7(1), 7-5 in Troyes to win his first career Challenger title!#ATPChallenger | @FFTennis pic.twitter.com/aDgLXz8TU5
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) July 7, 2024
Following his first triumph on the Pro Circuit at the ITF World Tennis Tour M15 event in Gubbio, Italy last year, Debru earned his maiden title at Challenger level. The Grenoble native collected a prize purse of €5,080 and 50 ATP Ranking points.
The tournament was hosted by the Tennis Club Troyes, located in the Grand Est region of France. Troyes is a charming city known for its medieval architecture and rich history. The city boasts a beautifully preserved historic center, with narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and impressive Gothic churches, such as the Troyes Cathedral and the Basilique Saint-Urbain.
Troyes is also renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and is home to numerous museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière, which offers unique insights into traditional crafts and tools. Additionally, the city is famous for its textile industry, particularly for producing high-quality hosiery.
The annual “Fête de la Rosière” and other local festivals bring the community together, celebrating the city’s traditions and heritage. Visitors to Troyes can enjoy not only its historical charm but also its contemporary attractions, making it a delightful destination for history buffs and modern travelers alike.