ZHANGJIAGANG/STARNBERG, September 1, 2024
Yasutaka Uchiyama has clinched the title of the 2024 International Challenger Zhangjiagang. The No. 4 seed of the $82,000 hard-court event outlasted seventh-seeded Estonian Mark Lajal 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-2 in Sunday’s singles final.
Uchiyama battled his way into the championship match with wins in the bottom half of the draw over his compatriot Yuta Shimizu, Vadym Ursu of Ukraine, Tung-Lin Wu from Chinese Taipei and No. 2 seed Seongchan Hong of South Korea.
The World No. 197 from Japan fired 12 aces in the final and won 89 per cent of his first-service points. Uchiyama converted five of his seven break-point chances to prevail after two hours and 20 minutes.
Title No. ✌️ in 2024 🏆
Uchiyama prevails over Lajal 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 to claim the trophy in Zhangjiagang! 🫡#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/zFGIYQ4eQe
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 1, 2024
By winning his seventh ATP Challenger Tour career title, his second of the season following his triumph in Busan, South Korea in April, the 32-year-old earned $11,200 in prize money as well as 75 ATP Ranking points.
The fifth edition of the International Challenger Zhangjiagang was held at the Tennis Academy Of China, Zhangjiagang Branch. Zhangjiagang is a vibrant city located in Jiangsu Province, China, along the southern bank of the Yangtze River. Known for its clean and well-organized environment, Zhangjiagang has earned recognition as a “National Civilized City” multiple times.
The city is an important industrial hub, with thriving sectors in steel, textiles, and electronics. Despite its rapid development, Zhangjiagang maintains a balance between urbanization and green spaces, offering residents and visitors scenic parks and waterfronts. The city’s strategic location near major cities like Shanghai and Suzhou makes it an attractive destination for both business and tourism.
