VILLA MARIA/STARNBERG, October 14, 2024
The AAT Challenger Santander Edicion Villa Maria concluded this Sunday with Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli defeating Dutchman Jesper De Jong 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4.
Sunday morning saw rain in Villa Maria, located in the Province of Cordoba, raising concerns about the final. However, the weather cleared just in time for fans to enjoy a thrilling match at the Sport Social Club, despite the cold and wind. Over 1,000 spectators watched as Ugo Carabelli battled through three hours to claim the title.
CAMILO IS
Another Challenger crown in the bag after a hard-fought win over De Jong 7-6, 3-6, 6-4! #ATPChallenger | @camilougo | @AATenis pic.twitter.com/qXClxPH4Q1
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 13, 2024
“He had beaten me in an incredible match in Australia. I served for the match and lost, and that came to my mind. But the crowd supported me a lot, and it gave me the strength to win,” Ugo Carabelli said, holding the trophy.
In a tightly contested first set, De Jong seemed poised to take it after breaking for a 4-3 lead. However, Ugo Carabellil fought back, gaining a break and saving two set points to push it to a tiebreak. With the backing of his coach Fabian Blengino, his partner, father, and friends, the Argentine won the tiebreak 7-3.
In the second set, De Jong adjusted his tactics, putting pressure on Ugo Carabelli, who struggled with his serve. De Jong comfortably secured the set 6-3 as the Argentine made more errors.
The final set saw Ugo Carabelli start strong, taking a 4-0 lead in just 15 minutes. However, as the finish line approached, his intensity dropped, allowing De Jong to win three consecutive games. At 4-3, 15-15, Ugo Carabelli pulled off a crucial rally, winning the point, which proved to be a turning point.
“I won an incredible point there, and it was very important. He burned out a bit. It was an amazing battle, and I’m very happy,” the 25-year-old Buenos Aires native reflected.
Ugo Carabelli closed out the week with another title in Argentina, the most significant one of his career on home soil. He had previously won the ATP Challenger Tour event in Tigre in 2022. By lifting his seventh ATP Challenger Tour career trophy Ugo Carabelli earned $18,230 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points.
