PRAGUE, June 13, 2015

Norbert Gombos has captured his second ATP Challenger title, lifting the trophy at the Sparta Prague Open, the first of two Challenger events taking place in the capital of the Czech Republic.

The 24-year-old Slovakian defeated Albert Montaῆes in the first tour meeting between the two, winning 7-6, 5-7, 7-6 in a thrilling encounter. Gombos won 72% of his first service points and capitalized on four of his 18 break point chances to end the marathon match after three hours and 17 minutes.

Norbert Gombos faced Albert Montanes for the first time on the tour (photo: Sparta Prague Open/Pavel Lebeda)

“It was really tight. I had my chances to close the match out in the ninth game of the third set, but I failed to do so. But I am glad that I played very well without mistakes in the final tie-break,” a happy winner told afterwards. “I felt a bit tired, already in the second set, but I overcame it because I knew that it is final.”

It was the second defeat in a final within two weeks for the 34-year-old Spaniard, after losing in Fürth to Taro Daniel in straight sets last Sunday. Gombos claimed his second trophy of the season, following his Challenger title indoors in Cherbourg earlier this year.

The Slovakian will play on home soil next, taking part at the new ATP Challenger event in Poprad Tatry the following week, having only a minimum time for recovery. “I will visit a physiotherapist and will have a massage, so that I will hopefully be prepared for my next match on Tuesday,” the Slovakian told.

Norbert Gombos captured his second ATP Challenger title (photo: Sparta Prague Open/Pavel Lebeda)