STELLENBOSCH, November 25, 2018

Geoffrey Blancaneaux claimed the title of the Digicall Futures, the first ITF Pro Circuit event of the season held at the Maties Tennis Club in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The No. 2 seed from France beat Sebastian Prechtel of Germany, who appeared in his second Futures final, 6-4, 6-0 in Sunday’s singles final.

Blancaneaux won 62 per cent of his first service points and outpointed his opponent 72-52 in one hour and 42 minutes. By lifting his third trophy of the season, the 20-year-old Frenchman pocketed $2,160 in prize money as well as 18 ATP-Ranking points.

“I’m really happy with the win today,” Blancaneaux said. “It was tough conditions with the wind, but also my opponent in the first set. I could see he was getting tired in the second set. I enjoyed the first week here and am very happy with the way it turned out.”

Makarova wins first ITF Pro Circuit title

Earlier in the day, Ekaterina Makarova clinched her first professional title. The 22-year-old from Russia defeated fellow Russian Anastasia Shakulskaya 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final of the $15,000 ITF Pro Circuit women’s event.

Makarova, seeded third, capitalized on six of her eight break point chances to secure victory in one hour and 37 minutes.

“Today was tough,” Makarova said. “It is always tough when you have to play against a fellow Russian player and she is also one of my best friends so it was a huge challenge. I am happy with the win. It was important to make a good start. It is my first time in South African and Stellenbosch is so beautiful. Looking forward to the next tournament.”

Photo Gallery (by Digicall Futures):