NAPOLI/STARNBERG, November 17, 2021
Red-hot Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor claimed a record-tying sixth ATP Challenger Tour title and third in a row by lifting the trophy of the Vesuvio Cup. The No. 5 seed of the €44,820 clay-court event, hosted by Sporting Poseidon in Napoli, Italy, defeated US-American qualifier Alexander Ritschard 6-3, 6-2 in Sunday’s singles final.
Griekspoor battled his way into the championship match with wins over Blaz Rola of Slovenia, Spanish qualifier Alvaro Lopez San Martin, Frenchman Manuel Guinard and local favourite Flavio Cobolli.
The World No. 118 saved the only break point he faced in the championship match and broke Ritschard’s serve four times to seal victory in one hour and 14 minutes.
TALL6N 🏆
It’s @Griekii‘s world. We’re just living in it.
Tallon Griekspoor claims a record-tying SIXTH #ATPChallenger title of the year and third in a row. Champion in Napoli! pic.twitter.com/MoYF89xiHt
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 17, 2021
“I am very happy, winning three weeks in a row. I have never expected to do that,” Griekspoor said. “I played Ritschard two weeks in a row, so I knew what to expect. I knew what to do. I played very well today. I was solid every point. I served great and just faced one break point. I am really happy with my game.”
With this victory Griekspoor ties Benjamin Bonzi for the most Challenger titles in 2021. He triumphed in Prague, Czech Republic, Bratislava, Slovakia, on home soil in Amersfoort, at the Murcia Open in Spain, as well as at the Napoli Cup last week. Griekspoor pocketed €6,190 in prize money and earned 80 ATP Ranking points.
“This title means a lot to me. I am breaking into the Top 100. That’s a special one. Winning my sixth title this year is amazing. Top 100 was a goal for sure. The next one is seeing how far I can go, maybe reaching the Top 50. I have been playing well so far this year, I am doing good, so I think everything is possible.”
Most titles in a single season
6⃣ Tallon Griekspoor (2021) 🇳🇱
6⃣ Benjamin Bonzi (2021) 🇫🇷
6⃣ Facundo Bagnis (2016) 🇦🇷
6⃣ Juan Ignacio Chela (2001) 🇦🇷
6⃣ Younes El Aynaoui (1998) 🇲🇦— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 17, 2021
