SZCZECIN, September 18, 2016

Alessandro Giannessi is the champion of the €106,500 Pekao Szczecin Open. The 26-year-old from Italy beat third seed Dustin Brown 6-2, 6-3 in Sunday’s final.

Giannessi, who appeared in his first title match on the ATP Challenger Tour since July 2015 when he finished runner-up to Albert Ramos in San Benedetto, saved all of the five break points he faced, converting four of his own to prevail in exactly one hour of play.

“It was just a perfect match today,” Giannessi was happy afterwards. “I have achieved a couple of good results in recent times. I showed a solid performance at the US Open with a high-class-match against Stan Wawrinka. And now my first title here. Everything this week went into the right direction. I really feel that I deserve to win the trophy, which is wonderful.”

After lifting six trophies on the ITF Pro Circuit, Giannessi claimed his maiden Challenger title, taking away €15,300 in prize money as well as 125 ATP ranking points.

“Two times I was in the doubles final here but failed to win the title. So the third time was the lucky one. Thanks to all the organizers for this wonderful event and hope to see you next year!”

The Italian will break back into the top 150 on Monday. Brown, who captured the title in Szczecin two years ago, will reach a new career high 68th position.

“Alessandro played really well today and deserved to win. It happens that you go on the court and your opponent is just better on that particular day. I accept this defeat and congratulate him,” Brown was a fair loser.