SZCZECIN/STARNBERG, September 19, 2021
Zdenek Kolar has clinched the biggest title of his career by winning the 22nd edition of the Pekao Szczecin Open hosted by the Courts of MOSRiR Szczecin in Poland. The World No. 185 from the Czech Republic defeated local hero Kamil Majchrzak 7-6(4), 7-5 in Sunday’s singles final of the €132,280 ATP Challenger Tour clay-court tournament.
In front of about 2,500 spectators on Center Court, Kolar withstood five aces and broke Majchrzak’s serve three time to seal victory in two hours and nine minutes.
Title No. 3️⃣ 🙌🎉
🇨🇿 Zdenek Kolar is the champion in Szczecin, claiming his third #ATPChallenger title of 2021.@PekaoSznOpen pic.twitter.com/2DygY76Ef2
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 19, 2021
“It was really tough. Kamil is a great player, especially, as he is at home and I knew that the whole stadium will support him,” Kolar said.
“I tried to play my game and to focus on my strategy against him. I did it very well. The first set was very close and I was a bit lucky. In the second set, I was a break up but he broke back again. I believed in my game and that I can win. The dream came true.”
The 24-year-old finished the week without dropping a set and pocketed €18,290 in prize money as well as 125 ATP Ranking points. Kolar lifted his third Challenger career trophy following his triumphs earlier this season in Oeiras, Portugal in April as well as at the Iasi Open in Romania in July.