CALTANISSETTA, June 19, 2017

Top seed Paolo Lorenzi defended his title at the €127,000 Citta’ Di Caltanissetta with a 6-4, 6-2 sweep against fellow Italian Alessandro Giannessi.

In front of about 2,000 spectators on Sunday afternoon, the 35-year-old Rome native didn’t face a break point, converting three of his own to seal victory in one hour and 24 minutes.

Lorenzi is the first man to hoist the trophy twice at the clay court event, which has been held in Sicily since 1999. The World No. 33 also received honorary citizenship of Caltanissetta.

“I have no more words to describe how grateful I am to this city,” Lorenzi said. “From the very first day, a lot of people asked me for photos and autographs making me feel welcome. I will try to win again in 2018. I would like to thank the president of the Tennis Club Caltanissetta Michele Trobia, who sends me sms during the year to encourage me ahead of important competitions.”

Lorenzi earned €18,290 in prize money as well as 125 ATP ranking points.

On Saturday, US-Americans James Cerretani and Max Schnur captured the doubles title, winning the final 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 over Denys Molchanov from the Ukraine and Croatian Franko Skugor. The encounter lasted one hour and 41 minutes.