Felipe Meligeni Alves completed an emotional return to the winner’s circle by capturing the Santos Brasil Tennis Classic title on Sunday. The Brazilian defeated compatriot Paulo Saraiva dos Santos 6-4, 6-3 in front of packed stands at Esporte Clube Pinheiros in Sao Paulo to lift the World Tennis Tour M25 trophy.

The tournament, which offered $30,000 in prize money, awarded the champion $4,612 and 25 ATP Ranking points. Runner-up Saraiva received $2,701 and 16 ranking points.

The all-Brazilian final carried added significance for Meligeni, who was playing for his first title since returning from a lengthy injury layoff that kept him sidelined for much of the past year. The former World No. 111 only resumed competing a little over a month ago, and the triumph marks an important milestone in his comeback. It is also the first title for former ATP standout Thomaz Bellucci in his role as coach. Meligeni is expected to climb to around World No. 559.

Across the net, Saraiva was aiming for the first singles title of his professional career. The Brazilian reached his third career singles final after an impressive week, underlining the progress he has made this season.

Meligeni edged a tightly contested opening set 6-4 before Saraiva required medical treatment on his left leg early in the second set. Although the 24-year-old continued to compete bravely despite the physical issue, Meligeni seized his opportunities at the key moments to close out the match 6-3.

During the trophy ceremony, Saraiva praised Instituto Sports for creating more professional tournament opportunities in Brazil.

“I want to thank Danilo Marcelino and Nelson Aerts. I don’t know if they remember, but I earned my first ATP ranking point at one of their tournaments. Today, I played my first professional final in Brazil at another Instituto Sports event. I hope they can continue organizing many more tournaments. I came up just short today—it was my third final—but I’ll keep chasing bigger things. Playing in Brazil is always special.”

An emotional Meligeni reflected on a difficult year marked by injuries and the loss of his father.

“I hope that wherever he is, he’s proud of me. I’m very happy to be playing in a Sunday final again and to come away with the victory. I also want to thank Paulo for what he told me after the match, encouraging me to always think about my father during the important moments. Thanks as well to the tournament organizers and Esporte Clube Pinheiros for opening their doors to us. I’m very happy with this result and to be winning again at home, surrounded by my family and the fans who supported me all week.”

The title is the 10th professional singles trophy of Meligeni’s career, including five World Tennis Tour and five ATP Challenger titles, and represents a significant step in his recovery as well as a successful start to his partnership with Bellucci.

Both finalists will remain in Sao Paulo, where they are scheduled to compete next week at the World Tennis Tour M15 tournament hosted by Clube Paineiras do Morumby.