OEIRAS/STARNBERG, January 8, 2024
Maks Kasnikowski has captured the title of the Indoor Oeiras Open, an ATP Challenger Tour 50 tournament held at the Complexo de Tenis do Jamor in Oeiras, Portugal. The 20-year-old from Poland defeated home favourite Gastao Elias 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-3 in Sunday’s singles final.
Kasnikowski withstood six aces and broke his rival’s serve five times to seal victory in two hours and 44 minutes.
Maks Kasnikowski wins a 2h47 battle against Gastão Elias 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-3 to win the maiden @ATPChallenger title of his career here at the Indoor Oeiras Open. pic.twitter.com/P59TWKb18u
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) January 7, 2024
Following three triumphs on the ITF World Tennis Tour, the 324th-ranked Kasnikowski lifted his maiden trophy on the Challenger Circuit.
“It’s a good place to win the first Challenger. It’s excellent to come to Portugal for the first time and immediately win a title,” said Kasnikowski at the press conference, revealing his idols to be Joao Sousa, whom he defeated in the quarterfinals, and Cristiano Ronaldo, imitating the footballer’s celebration with the trophy in hand.
Sunday’s victory marked his third win of the week against a local player, having previously eliminated Joao Domingues in the second round and occurred in front of several hundred spectators who filled Court 1 of the indoor courts.
“The noise from the audience was so loud that I couldn’t hear my own voice, but I can’t complain. It’s great to see the Portuguese supporting their players. That’s how it should always be in all countries,” said Kasnikowski, who earned €5,080 in prize money as well as 50 ATP Ranking points.
