ORTISEI, November 13, 2016

Stefano Napolitano is the champion of the €64,000 Sparkassen ATP Challenger Val Gardena, held at the Tennis Club Ortisei. The 21-year-old from Biella won the all-Italian-final against third seed Alessandro Giannessi 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday afternoon.

Napolitano, who appeared in his only second title match on the ATP Challenger Tour, saved all of the four break points he faced, converting four of his own to prevail in only 64 minutes.

“I am feeling problems with my knee,” a disappointed Giannessi said. “I wasn’t at 100 per cent but Stefano fully deserved to win the tournament.”

Stefano Napolitano (photo: Marco Wanker)

Napolitano is the only second Italian to claim the title in Ortisei, following Andreas Seppi, who emerged victorious in 2013 and 2014.

“It has been a tough match right from the beginning. I am sorry for Alessandro, as he wasn’t physically at his best in the second set. But I am also happy that he played a great season. Maybe there will be a chance for another final for us here next year,” Napolitano told afterwards.

“Nonetheless, I am happy to claim the title. Winning in Italy against a fellow countryman makes it even more special. Thanks to my family and friends!”

By lifting his first Challenger title, Napolitano earns €9,200 in prize money as well as 90 ATP Ranking points. He captured the title in Ortisei without losing his serve and will continue the season at the ATP Challenger in Brescia next week.

Albano Olivetti and Kevin Krawietz (photo: Marco Wanker)

Krawietz And Olivetti With Back-To-Back Titles

Earlier the day, Kevin Krawietz of Germany and Frenchman Albano Olivetti clinched the doubles title, winning the final 6-4, 6-4 over Frank Dancevic from Canada and Marko Tepvac of Serbia. The encounter lasted just under one hour of play. Krawietz and Olivetti lifted their second consecutive Challenger trophies, following their triumph in Eckental last week.