MALAGA/STARNBERG, October 15, 2023

Frenchman Ugo Blanchet has clinched the title at the second edition of the Malaga Open, Spain’s biggest ATP Challenger Tour hard-court tournament, by defeating Italian Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final.

In an intense battle, both players fought hard from the baseline, providing an exciting match for the spectators at the Inacua Málaga Tennis Complex. Blanchet started the match with a 3-0 lead, but Bellucci managed to close the gap to 3-4. However, the 24-year-old French secured the first set winning three games in a row. The second set was even closer, with neither player gaining a lead of more than two points. Blanchet managed to hold his serve at 4-4 and gained the decisive break in the following game, prevailing after one hour and 37 minutes.

7️⃣ wins in 8️⃣ days#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/YgWVKB5v4h

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 15, 2023

“I feel amazing. It’s my first ATP Challenger Tour title. I’ve been very focused on what I had to do, which helped me play very well throughout the week. So, I’m very happy,” said Blanchet, a six-time champion on the ITF World Tennis Tour, after lifting his maiden Challenger trophy.

The World No. 324, who didn’t drop a set throughout the tournament, earned €19,650 in prize money as well as 125 ATP Ranking points.