AUGSBURG/STARNBERG, May 24, 2024

Elmer Moller has reached his first title match on the ATP Challenger Tour at the Schwaben Open. The 20-year-old from Denmark fought past Riccardo Bonadio of Italy 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 on Friday afternoon at the Tennis Club Augsburg Siebentisch.

Moller, No. 8 seed of the €36,900 clay-court event, capitalized on four of his 11 break-point chances and won five points more than his opponent to secure victory in two hours and six minutes.

“To be honest, the match could have easily gone the other way,” said Moller. “I just managed to win the crucial points at the end. Since my opponent has not only a strong forehand but also an extremely powerful backhand, I had to slow down the pace with high balls to get back into the rallies. Additionally, I wanted to introduce a slightly different element into the game. For now, I’m just briefly enjoying the victory and then I’ll focus on recovering to give my all in the final.”

Following five triumphs on the ITF World Tennis Tour, one of them this season in Santa Margherita di Pula, the World No. 293 is seeking his maiden trophy on the ATP Challenger Circuit.

Moller will take on top seed Timofey Skatov. The 23-year-old from Kazakhstan beat home favourite Daniel Masur 7-5, 7-5 in the stage of the last four. Skatov broke his rival four times to prevail after two hours and two minutes.

“The match was really tight in both sets, as the scoreline shows. It required full concentration at all times with no moments to relax. I tried to focus especially during the crucial phases. I managed to increase the pressure on him a bit, which fortunately paid off for me,” said Skatov, who bidding for his second Challenger career crown. The World No. 242 captured his maiden title in Parma, Italy two years ago. Moller and Skatov will meet for the first time.

The No.1 seed or the underdog ❔

The Augsburg final is going to be fun#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/iiX1N9RN3K

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 24, 2024