ORTISEI, October 15, 2017

Lorenzo Sonego captured his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning Sunday’s singles final of the €64,000 Sparkasse ATP Challenger Val Gardena at the Tennis Club Ortisei. The 22-year-old Italian beat German qualifier Tim Pütz 6-4, 6-4.

Sonego, who entered the main draw with a wild card, capitalized on his very first break point with an aggressive backhand return in the ninth game of the opening set to clinch the frame after 40 minutes.

Pütz could not convert his chances but the World No. 364 from Torino capitalized on two of his five break points to secure victory in one hour and 23 minutes.

“It was an unbelievable week, which could have already ended on Monday. Now I am the champion of the tournament,” Sonego was happy afterwards. “I just played well in the decisive moments.”

The Italian takes away €9,200 in prize money as well as 80 ATP ranking points.

“Only a few points make the difference in the end,” Pütz said. “I played eight matches and I am still feeling good,” the 29-year-old German took the positives from the week. He earns €5,400 and 48 ATP ranking points.

Both finalists will next play at the Wolffkran Open in Ismaning.

Arends/Sancic Take Doubles Title

Sander Arends and Antonio Sancic

Earlier in the day, Sander Arends from the Netherlands and Antonio Sancic of Croatia took the doubles title, saving three match points against Germany’s Jeremy Jahn and Edan Lesham from Israel to seal a 6-2, 5-7, 13-11 victory in one hour and 20 minutes.

Asked about the key to success, Arends said: “The positive energy and that we acted like a team.”

The team captured their second trophy following their triumph in Como in August. “It was a very nice week. We struggled with some problems but we are happy that we made it in the end. It is a very emotional win for both of us,” Sancid added.

Arends will next play at the Wolffkran Open in Ismaning. Sancic is heading for Moscow this night, competing at the Kremlin Cup ATP 250 event.