CURITIBA/STARNBERG, October 27, 2024
Home favourite Felipe Meligeni Alves has reached the final of the Copa Internacional de Tenis presented by Santander, an ATP Challenger Tour 100 event held on the clay courts of the Graciosa Country Club in Curitiba, Brazil.
In Saturday’s first semi-final, Portugal’s Jaime Faria defeated Gustavo Heide of Brazil in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, capitalizing on Heide’s nerves and maintaining a strong serve.
Faria on fire
The 21-year-old advances to the final in Curitiba after beating Heide 6-4, 6-3!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/dCE5iBDGyT
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 26, 2024
Meligeni then faced Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo, seeking revenge for a loss in their previous meeting at the Challenger event in Vila Maria, Argentina. Meligeni dominated the match, starting with a 4-0 lead in the first set, which he took 6-4. In the second set, Meligeni overwhelmed Cerundolo with a commanding 6-0 score, securing his first final appearance of the season.
Meligeni’s performance has already earned him 50 ATP ranking points, pushing him to the 150th spot, and reclaiming his position as the third-highest-ranked Brazilian. A victory in Sunday’s final would award him 100 points, bringing him closer to his career-best ranking of World No. 128.
The final will be a rematch against Faria, whom Meligeni defeated in the final qualifying round at Roland Garros earlier this year.
“He’s a young guy, playing well. We only faced each other once at Roland Garros this year, but with the energy of the crowd, which I hope will be there tomorrow, I’ll do everything to come out with the victory,” said Meligeni.
The singles final will take place at 11:00 AM local time on Sunday at the Graciosa Country Club’s central court.
