ROME, GEORGIA/STARNBERG, July 18, 2022
Yibing Wu of China captured the singles title Sunday at the inaugural $53,120 Georgia’s Rome Challenger. Wu defeated 19-year-old US-American Ben Shelton 7-5, 6-3.
The title is the third at ATP Challenger Tour level for the 22-year-old, and his second of 2022 following his triumph in Orlando. The championship match held at Rome Tennis Center at Berry College was the toughest test of the week for Wu, who did not drop a set in route to victory. The tightly contested first set saw each player hold serve until 6-5 in the first, when Wu earned the decisive break. His aggressive, flat groundstrokes proved to be very effective all week on the indoor hard courts.
The win earned Wu 80 ATP Ranking points and will push him up to World No. 233, a career high.
Tournament runner-up and 2022 NCAA singles champion Shelton had the best week of his professional career in Rome, and walks away with 54 ATP ranking points and will jump to a new career high of World No. 323.
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“Congratulations to champion Yibing Wu and runner up Ben Shelton on a fantastic week,” said Ann Hortman, Director of Rome Sports and co-tournament director.
“Both players showed incredible skill and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Hosting this caliber of tennis here in Rome, Georgia is a huge honor and would not be possible without all of our volunteers, ball persons, staff and the support of the local community.”
