HEILBRONN, May 21, 2017
Filip Krajinovic is the champion of the fourth NECKARCUP, an ATP Challenger event with a total prize money of €64,000. The 25-year-old from Serbia edged past fourth seed Norbert Gombos in Sunday’s final, winning 6-3, 6-2.
Final ceremony of the Neckarcup 2017
In front of about 800 spectators at the Tennis Club Trappensee Heilbronn, Gombos gained the first break of the match in the third game of the opening set.
From then on, however, the qualifier from Serbia dominated the encounter. Krajinovic capitalized on four of his five break points to secure victory in one hour and four minutes.
“I know that I can play well but I didn’t expect to win here. I was just looking day by day but I think that I deserved it and I am really happy,” Krajinovic told afterwards.
“I am a bit tired right now but next up will be Roland Garros. So I will pack my stuff playing in the qualies there.”
Krajinovic captured his fifth ATP Challenger title his second on German soil following his triumph in Braunschweig two years ago. He takes away €9,200 in prize money as well as 90 ATP Ranking points.
Jebavy/Sancic Claim First Team Title
Earlier in the day, top seeds Roman Jebavy from the Czech Republic and Antonio Sancic of Croatia captured their first team title, winning the doubles final 6-4, 6-1 over second favourites Adil Shamasdin from Canada and Slovakian Igor Zelenay. The encounter lasted 53 minutes.
Roman Jebavy and Antonio Sancic
“We have been in good shape the entire week. We played well and won the important points. Gaining the break in the second set gave us the advantage,” Jebavy told afterwards. The 27-year-old Czech clinched his third title of the season following his triumphs at the ATP Challenger in Cherbourg and the ATP 250 event in Istanbul.
“It has been my best season in my career so far. Winning my first title on the ATP World Tour was like a dream for me. Of courese I hope for some more,” Jebavy added, who will next play in Lyon teaming up with James Cerretani from the United States before heading to Roland Garros.
“I am here for the second year in a row. Unfortunately, I lost the final last year but it is a great tournament. One of the best Challengers on the tour. We really enjoy playing here,” told Sancic, who is next competing together with Italian Flavio Cipolla in the ATP Challenger in Mestre.
