ROME, GEORGIA/STARNBERG, July 17, 2022
NCAA Singles Champion Ben Shelton powered his way into the title match of Georgia’s Rome Challenger Saturday, defeating Yasutaka Uchiyama from Japan 6-1, 6-3. The 19-year-old US-American qualifier, who has spent the last two years at the University of Florida, has only dropped one set in six matches en route to his first career final on the ATP Challenger Tour.
World No. 433 Shelton saved the only break point he faced and capitalized on four of his own 11 break-point chances to secure victory in one hour and nine minutes.
His opponent in the final, 22-year-old Yibing Wu of China, advanced in similar fashion, pushing past fourth-seeded Argentine Juan Pablo Ficovich 6-1, 6-0. The championship match will be the third at Challenger level for Wu, having most recently won the Orlando Challenger in June 2022. The singles final is scheduled for 11am EST at Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.
Couacaud/Harris triumph in doubles
Enzo Couacaud of France and Andrew Harris from Australia took home the doubles title, defeating Ruben Gonzales from the Philippines and Reese Stadler of the United States 7-6(5), 7-5. It’s the third career Challenger doubles for both Couacaud and Harris, and their first as a doubles pairing.
They split $3,100 in prize money and earned 80 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
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“We’re very excited about this final matchup and hope to see a great crowd on Sunday,” said Ann Hortman, Director of Rome Sports and co-tournament director. “These are the future stars of our sport, and it’s a great chance for the Rome community to come out and watch the great tennis up close and personal.”
