TODI, July 12, 2015

Aljaz Bedene lifted the trophy at the ATP Challenger Internazionali di Tennis dell’Umbria in Todi, winning the final on Sunday evening against Nicolas Kicker 7-6, 6-3.

Bedene capitalized on his first break point in the ninth game, couldn’t serve out in the following, but was more solid in the tie-break to clinch the opening set 7-3.

The world number 75 from Great Britain also had the better start into the second frame, gaining an early break when Kicker overcooked a forehand baseline shot in the second game. Bedene closed the match, winning 7-6, 6-4 after one hour and 54 minutes to capture his third ATP Challenger title this season, following his tournament victories in Irving and Rome. The Ljubljana native is up to a new career high world number 70 in the ATP rankings on Monday.

“It was a fantastic week! I am happy to defend my title here,” told Bedene afterwards. “Congratulations also to my opponent, who played a great match. Thanks to the organizers, as well as the spectators. I will now relax a bit and hope to improve my rankings in the nearer future. I would like to reach the top 50 next.”

Kicker was also pleased with his week in Todi, reaching his first ATP Challenger final. “I played well all week. I am happy to get to the final, but my opponent proved to be very strong. Too bad, but it’s ok,” the Argentine stated.