CHISINAU, May 31, 2026
Stefanos Sakellaridis was crowned champion of the second edition of the Moldova Open held at the brand new National Tennis Center in Chisinau. The 21-year-old Greek outlasted Romanian qualifier and first-time ATP Challenger finalist Cezar Cretu 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-3 in Sunday’s championship match.
On a mostly sunny but windy day, Sakellaridis sent down three aces, won 68 per cent of his first-service points and 52 per cent of the total points played to seal victory in two hours and 39 minutes.
Stef stands tall 🇬🇷
Sakellaridis battles back from a set down against Cretu 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-3 to claim his second Challenger title of 2026! 💪#ATPChallenger | 🇲🇩 Chisinau pic.twitter.com/f4b4wjzYf3
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) May 31, 2026
“I am very happy winning this title,” Sakellaridis said. “My goal at the beginning of the clay-court season was to win a title on this surface and this is my last tournament on clay before the start of the grass swing. I was very focused this week and managed to turn this match around today.
“Last week, I played my first Grand Slam tournament at the French Open, which was very emotional. Then I came here and felt great with my game. I very happy.”
Sakellaridis captured the second ATP Challenger Tour title of his career, following his maiden triumph in New Delhi, India, in February. He earned €23,750 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points. In the ATP Live Rankings, the Greek is set to rise to a career-high No. 153 in the world.
