CLEVELAND, February 17, 2020
Mikael Torpegaard is the champion of the second edition of the Cleveland Open presented by Cleveland Clinic held at the Cleveland Racquet Club. The No. 12 from Denmark fought past Yosuke Watanuki of Japan 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 in Sunday’s singles final.
Torpegaard capitalized on three of his eight break point chances to secure victory in one hour and 33 minutes.
It’s safe to say Mikael Torpegaard enjoys playing in Ohio.
2020 🏆 Cleveland
2019 🏆 Columbus (outdoor)
2016 🏆 Columbus (indoor)The former @OhioStateMTEN standout adds a third #ATPChallenger title, prevailing at the @CLEChallenger. pic.twitter.com/FAQP9OKzrJ
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 16, 2020
The 25-year-old former Buckeye standout and five-time all-American took his third ATP Challenger career crown, with all victories coming in Ohio. Torpegaard lifted the trophies of the Columbus Challengers in 2016 and 2019. He earned $7,200 in prize money as well as 80 ATP Ranking points.
Torpegaard, who was very happy about his play this week in Cleveland, joked with the crowd, “For those of you who say I can’t win outside of Ohio, you win this time,” but hopes the momentum from this tournament will help lead into success as he now has cracked into the top 200 in the new ATP rankings, sitting at World No. 177.
Earlier in the day, Treat Huey from the Philippines and US-American Nathaniel Lammons clinched the doubles title. The duo upset the tournament’s No. 1 seeds Luke Saville and John-Patrick Smith 7-5, 6-2. The encounter lasted one hour and two minutes.
Welcome back to titletown, @TreatHuey!
First 🏆 for the 🇵🇭 since 2017, in his return from a back injury. Champion @CLEChallenger alongside Nate Lammons. pic.twitter.com/FmDvsQMSoK
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 16, 2020
