WUNING/STARNBERG, April 12, 2026
Pavel Kotov has clinched the title of the inaugural Wuning Open. The No. 8 seed of the ATP Challenger 50 tournament outlasted sixth-seeded Briton Harry Wendelken 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final.
Kotov booked his place in the championship match with wins over US-American Keegan Smith, Danish qualifier August Holmgren, No. 2 seed Ilia SImakin of Russia and fifth favourite Fajing Sun of China.
The world No. 299 from Russia fired 12 aces in the final and won 74 per cent of his first-service points. Kotov broke his rival’s serve five times to secure victory in two hours and 25 minutes.
Winning ways continue 📈
Pavel Kotov claims his third ATP Challenger title of the season after battling past Wendelken 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Wuning#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/R2dB5tIveu
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) April 12, 2026
The 27-year-old Moscow native, a former top 50 player, lifted his sixth ATP Challenger career trophy, his second of the season following the Koblenz Tennis Open in Germany and Cherbourg, France. Kotov earned $9,500 in prize money as well as 50 ATP Ranking points.
The first edition of the Wuning Open was held on the hard courts of the Wuning International Tennis Center and offered a total prize pool of $63,000.
Wuning is a picturesque county located in Jiangxi Province, in southeastern China. Known for its lush green mountains, clean air, and rich natural scenery, it is often referred to as a “natural oxygen bar” thanks to its high forest coverage and tranquil environment.
One of Wuning’s highlights is the scenic Lushan West Sea, a vast area of crystal-clear water dotted with thousands of small islands, making it a popular destination for boating, hiking, and eco-tourism. The region offers a peaceful escape from city life, attracting visitors who enjoy outdoor activities and nature.
In addition to its landscapes, Wuning also has a long cultural history, with traditional villages, local cuisine, and festivals reflecting the heritage of the region.
