ROSETO DEGLI ABRUZZI/STARNBERG, March 13, 2022

Carlos Taberner of Spain is the champion of the inaugural Regione Abruzzo Aterno Gas & Power Cup I hosted by the Tennis Club Roseto in Roseto Degli Abruzzi. The top seed of the €45,730 ATP Challenger clay-court tournament defeated sixth-seeded Nuno Borges from Portugal 6-2, 6-3 in Sunday’s singles final.

Taberner, who didn’t drop a set the entire week in Central Italy, also dominated the title match right from the beginning. In sunny but chilly conditions, the World No. 105 converted five of his 10 break-point chances and won 59 per cent of the total points played to secure victory in one hour and 14 minutes.

“I played at a high level during the final,” Taberner said afterwards. “I am very pleased with my overall performance during the week and of course I am very happy with the title.”

The 24-year-old from Valencia claimed his fifth ATP Challenger career crown, his first of the season. Taberner earned €6,190 in prize money as well as 80 ATP Ranking points.

Most of the players will stay in Roseto for the second leg of the back-to-back tournaments. Taberner will be the third seed next week, facing local wild card entry Giulio Zeppieri in his opening match. The 32-man draw will be led by World No. 74 Jiri Vesely from the Czech Republic. Home favourite and World No. 95 Gianluca Mager will be seeded second.