NAPOLI, April 10, 2016

Jozef Kovalik captured the title of the €42,500 Capri Watch Cup, winning Sunday’s final in Napoli against Arthur de Greef 6-3, 6-2 in the pair’s first tour meeting.

The 23-year-old from Slovakia, who appears in his first tournament on European soil in 2016, won 70% of his first service points and converted four of his seven break point chances to seal victory in one hour and eight minutes.

“That’s been the best win in my life,” Kovalik was more than happy afterwards. “It’s also the best present for my birthday tomorrow. I managed to recover from the efforts in the semi-finals. It was simply a fantastic week for me. The tournament’s organization was great and I will come back for sure. I will stay for another day in the city and will go to the stadium to watch a football match with (Marek) Hamsik.” 

Kovalik claimed his second Challenger career title, after he lifted the trophy in Meerbusch 2014. The world number 171 takes away €6,150 in prize money as well as 90 ATP ranking points.