JÖNKÖPING, March 13, 2016

Andrey Golubev saves four match points to capture the title of the inaugural €42,500 RC Hotel Open in Jönköping, Sweden’s first ATP Challenger event since 1996, winning three tie-break sets against Karen Khachanov.

The 28-year-old from Kazakhstan withstood 13 aces, hitting seven of his own. Both players lost their service two times and the Russian youngster served for the title in the 12th game of the second but missed three match points. Golubev came back and eventually secured a 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 victory in two hours and 44 minutes.

“A really crazy match. It was up and down but I am very happy. And at this time of the year with a limited number tournaments it is perfect to pick up 90 points”, says Golubev.

By clinching his seventh Challenger title, the world number 208 earned €6,150 in prize money as well as 90 ATP ranking points. Golubev says he wants to make a try to come back to top 100. He once was ranked as number 33. This win is fore sure a little step in a final that was amazing in a lot of ways. The standard was ATP class and the players have been very satisfied with the organization that was tested with a new event in an arena where the Hotel and restaurant just opened up days before the players arrived.

“You couldn´t tell. There have been no bad surprises at all and the organizers should be happy with everything. No complaints what so ever so hoping to see more challengers in Sweden coming years”, says Golubev.

In an all-Swedish doubles final between two wild card teams, Isak Arvidsson and Fred Simonsson defeated Markus Eriksson and Milos Sekulic 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 in one hour and four minutes.