KENITRA, September 24, 2016

Maximilian Marterer captured his second ATP Challenger title within seven days, winning the €42,500 event in Kenitra on Saturday against Mohamed Safwat 6-2, 6-4.

The 21-year-old German won 74 per cent of his first service points, saved four of the five break points he faced, converting four of his own to prevail in one hour and 17 minutes.

Safwat was the only second man from Egypt reaching an ATP Challenger final, following Tamer El-Sawy in Weiden 1995. After finishing runner-up to Florian Mayer in Meerbusch last month, Marterer lifted his maiden trophy also on Moroccan soil, in Meknes last week.

“Thanks for the support,” Marterer told during the on-court ceremony. “Also special thanks to my coach. We have only worked together for about three months and I already took my second title. This is unbelievable.”

The German youngster practices at Munich’s TennisBase Oberhaching and is coached by Markus Wislsperger. Marterer will reach a new career high singles ranking on Monday at about 170th position.

On Friday, Marterer also clinched the doubles title alongside Kevin Krawietz. The German duo defeated Uladzimir Ignatik from Belarus and Austrian Michael Linzer 7-6, 4-6, 10-6 in one hour and 31 minutes.