CORDENONS, September 6, 2020
Bernabe Zapata Miralles has captured his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour. The 23-year-old from Spain ended the run of his 17-year-old compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, who lifted the trophy at the Citta di Trieste last weekend. Zapata Miralles defeated the teenager in Sunday’s singles final of the €88,520 Challenger Acqua Dolomia Serena Wines Tennis Cup Internazionali del Friul Venezia Giulia by the score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
Zapata Miralles, runner-up at the first tournament since the re-start of the tour in Todi, advanced to the championship match at the Eurosporting complex in Cordenons, Italy with wins over top seed Yannick Hanfmann of Germany, Frenchman Alexandre Muller, Andrea Collarini of Argentina and Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo. The Valencia native converted six of his 11 break point chances and 56 per cent of the total points played to secure victory in one hour and 49 minutes.
You always remember your first.
Bernabé Zapata Miralles is the champion in Cordenons, claiming his maiden #ATPChallenger title. 🏆🙌
🇪🇸 @bernabezapata1 | @EurosportingExp pic.twitter.com/EYUqeVC8S8
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 6, 2020
After seven career titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour Zapata Miralles has lifted his first ATP Challenger trophy. He took away from the Province of Pordenone €12,250 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points.
Teen sensation Alcaraz would have been the youngest player ever to win back-to-back titles. After competing three consecutive weeks on the Italian clay-court swing, both Spaniards will take a rest from competition the following week.
