SIBIU/STARNBERG, September 23, 2024
Frenchman Valentin Royer has captured his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour by winning the 2024 BCR Sibiu Open. The No. 3 seed of the €36,900 clay-court event defeated his compatriot Luka Pavlovic 6-4, 6-0 in Sunday’s singles final.
Royer battled his way to the championship match with wins in the bottom half of the draw over Spanish wild card entry Jorge Plans, French qualifier Arthur Gea, Argentine qualifier Genaro Alberto Olivieri and Czech qualifier Hynek Barton.
The 23-year-old from Neuilly-sur-Seine hit three aces in the final and won 71 per cent of his first-service points. Royer broke Pavlovic’s serve five times to prevail after 61 minutes.
A moment he will never forget 🫶
Valentin Royer wins his maiden Challenger title after beating Pavlovic 6-4, 6-0 in Sibiu#ATPChallenger | @FFTennis pic.twitter.com/gusamWXFmc
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 22, 2024
Following seven triumphs on the ITF World Tennis Tour, Royer earned his maiden Challenger crown. The World No. 213 pocketed €5,080 in prize money as well as 50 ATP Ranking points.
The 13th edition of the Sibiu Open was hosted by the Tennis Club Pamira in Sibiu, located in the heart of Romania. It is a charming medieval city known for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Once a key Saxon settlement, Sibiu boasts picturesque squares, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings. Landmarks like the Council Tower, Brukenthal National Museum, and the iconic Liars’ Bridge attract visitors from around the world.
Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Sibiu is also a gateway to outdoor adventures. In 2007, it was named the European Capital of Culture, further cementing its status as a vibrant cultural hub in Romania.
