TODI, July 11, 2016

Miljan Zekic lifted his first trophy on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning Sunday’s final of the €42,500  Internazionali Di Tennis Dell’Umbria in Todi. The 27-year-old from Serbia battled through the qualifying, winning seven matches en route to the title.

Zekic fought past Italian wild card Stefano Napolitano, who also appeared in his first final, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3. The new world number 188 hit 11 aces and won 71% of his first service points. Zekic converted four of his nine break point opportunities to secure victory in two hours and 34 minutes.

“This is my first Challenger title and I will always remember it with great emotion. I started the tournament in the qualification and to eventually win it is a great feeling. Now, I have to continue this path. Thanks to all the people here involved in the event,” Zekic told afterwards.

It is his third title of the season, following two triumphs on the ITF Future Ciruit. Zekic takes away €6,150 in prize money as well as 90 ATP ranking points.

On Saturday, top seeded Brazilians Marcelo Demoliner and Fabricio Neis defeated the all-Italian-combination of Salvatore Caruso and Alessandro Giannessi 6-1, 3-6, 10-5 to claim the doubles title. The encounter lasted one hour and 15 minutes.