TAMPERE/STARNBERG, July 24, 2022

Zsombor Piros is the champion of the 40th edition of the Tampere Open. The clay-court event hosted by the Tampereen Tenniskeskus Oy is the longest-running ATP Challenger Tour tournament. Finnish legend Jarkko Nieminen lifted the trophy in both 2001 and 2002, David Goffin prevailed in 2014 and Swedish star Mikael Ymer in 2019. Czech young gun Jiri Lehecka was the champion last year.

Piros battled past French qualifier Harold Mayot 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final. The No. 5 seed from Hungary capitalized on five of his 14 break-point opportunities to seal victory in one hour and 46 minutes.

First #ATPChallenger title, congrats!

[5] Zsombor Piros – Harold Mayot 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 pic.twitter.com/Wlcp6aEgtv

— Tampere Open (@TampereOpen) July 24, 2022

“The final was a rollercoaster,” said Piros. “I lost my focus in the second set, but at the same time Mayot started playing better. In the end I just fought. I don´t know how I won since my opponent played so aggressively and better than me. This was a very mental fight since both of us were looking for that first Challenger title. I am just super happy to get that.”

The World No. 165 beat Swedish wild card entry Leo Borg, Luigi Sorrentino from Italy, Maximilian Marterer of Germany and Frenchman Laurent Lokoli en route to the title match. Following five title wins on the ITF Pro Circuit, Piros lifted his maiden trophy on the ATP Challenger Tour. The 22-year-old Budapest native earned €6,190 in prize money as well as valuable 80 ATP Ranking points.

“I am extremely happy on my first ATP Challenger title,” said Piros. “This has been a long journey from juniors to this moment. When I won the Australian Open juniors title in 2017, I thought the transition would be faster and easier than it has been. I have worked so hard and now I just hope more will come.”

Austrians prevail in doubles

On Saturday, Alexander Erler and Lucas Mieder captured the doubles title. The top-seeded Austrians defeated No. 4 seed Karol Drzewiecki of Poland and home favourite Patrik Niklas-Salminen 7-6(3), 6-1 in one hour and 11 minutes.

By winning their sixth Challenger team title, their third of the season, Erler and Miedler split €2,670 in prize money and collected 80 ATP Doubles Ranking points.

Champions!

Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler pic.twitter.com/gZfjg1YJN6

— Tampere Open (@TampereOpen) July 23, 2022