CHARLOTTESVILLE, November 5, 2018
Tommy Paul claimed his first ATP Challenger crown, winning the $75,000 Charlottesville Men’s Pro Challenger. The #NextGenATP US-American entered the main draw as lucky loser and beat No. 8 seeded Canadian Peter Polansky 6-2, 6-2 in Sunday’s singles final.
Paul, who finished runner-up to Noah Rubin at the same place three years ago, kept his focus this time. He saved the only break point he faced, converting four of his own eight chances to secure victory in just under one hour of play.
Paul took away $10,800 in prize money as well as 80 ATP-Ranking points.
“I just came out set the calm very early, which was important for the match. I also servered pretty well,” Paul said. “This is pretty big for me, as now I have made it into the qualies of the Australian Open. That was the main goal.”
Up next for the youngster from Greenville will be the Knoxville Challenger, where he will face compatriot Bjorn Fratangelo in the opening round.
Earlier in the day at the Boar’s Head Sports Club, Harri Heliovaara of Finland and Henri Laaksonen clinched the doubles title. The unseeded duo defeated the tournament’s No. 4 Toshihide Matsui of Japan and Frederik Nielsen from Denmark 6-3, 6-4. The encounter lasted 55 minutes.
