MILAN, June 26, 2016

Marco Cecchinato captured the title of the €42,500 Aspria Tennis Cup, held at the Harbour Club Milano. The fifth seed from Italy defeated Laslo Djere 6-2, 6-2 in Sunday’s final.

In the pair’s first meeting, Cecchinato won 74% of his first service points, saved all six break points he faced, converting four of his own to seal victory in one hour and 12 minutes.

The 23-year-old from Palermo captured his third career title on the ATP Challenger Tour, following his triumphs in San Marino 2013 and Turin 2015.

“I always enjoy playing in Italy, although the competition is very tough,” Cecchinato told afterwards. He takes away €6,150 in prize money as well as 80 ATP ranking points.

“I want to thank my girl-friend, who has supported me for three years, as well as my cousin Francesco, who is like a brother to me. He has been with me for 23 years.”

Tournament director Massimo Lacarbonara was pleased with the tournament’s 11th edition. “It went very well. Every year we try to improve the event and we are very proud to carry out this project. Thanks to all the people, who helped to make this happen.”

With the All England Championships in Wimbledon underway, the €42,500 Marburg Open will be the lone ATP Challenger event next week. After Carlos Berlocq withdrew from the tournament in Germany due to personal reasons, Neckar Cup champion Nikoloz Basilashvili will be the highest ranked player in the draw. Gerald Melzer will be seeded third.