MORELOS, February 25, 2018

Dennis Novikov notches his first ATP Challenger title since 2015, defeating Chilean youngster Christian Garin 6-4, 6-3 in Saturday’s singles final of the $50,000 Morelos Open Crédito Real in Cuernavaca.

The No. 3 seed from the United States fired 11 aces, saved nine of the 10 break points he faced and converted three of his own to prevail after one hour and nine minutes.

First challenger title of 2018. Let’s go 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/MGRGzZ4ULD

— Dennis Novikov (@DennisNovikov) 25. Februar 2018

By lifting his third ATP Challenger career title, Novikov takes away $7,200 in prize money as well as 80 ATP ranking points.

Later in the day, Roberto Maygin of Colombia and Brazilian Fernando Romboli took the doubles crown. The pair edged past US-Americans Evan King and Nathan Pasha 7-5, 6-3. The encounter lasted 62 minutes.