RECANATI, July 10, 2017

Viktor Galovic had only won three Challenger matches since February 2013 and just six in his career but evenually left the hard courts of the Circolo del presidente Guzzini in Recanati with his maiden ATP Challenger crown.

The World No. 491 from Croatia battled through the qualifying and defeated fifth seed Mirza Basic from Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-6, 6-4 in Sunday’s final of the €43,000 Guzzini Challenger. Galovic hit 11 aces, winning 72 per cent of his first service points and broke serve twice to prevail in one hour and 31 minutes.

“I can hardly hold back the tears,” Galovic was overwhelmed. “It was my first Challenger main draw this year and winning the title is unbelievable.”

The 26-year-old took away €6,190 in prize money as well as 80 ATP ranking points. Galovic will next play at the Sparkassen Open in Braunschweig, taking on German veteran Florian Mayer in the opening round.

Basic, who knocked out the tournament’s top seed Luca Vanni from Italy in the semi-finals, was looking for his second ATP Challenger title after his triumph this March in Guadalajara, Mexico. He earned €3,650 and 48 ATP ranking points.