Pune’s tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat as British talent Felix Gill and Italian prodigy Federico Sina gear up for the men’s singles final at the Maha Open ATP Challenger 75. The semifinals at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex’s Balewadi venue delivered high-stakes drama, underscoring the tournament’s competitive edge.
Gill’s semifinal masterstroke came against Lithuania’s Adas Butvilas, whom he defeated 6-4, 7-5 with unflinching resolve. By maintaining composure on big points and snatching crucial breaks, Gill earned his finals berth in this MSLTA-organized spectacle, supported by regional development authorities.
Federico Sina, seeded sixth and ranked fourth among juniors globally, powered past Croatia’s Duje Ajdukovic 7-5, 6-2. The 75-minute affair saw Sina grind out the first set before accelerating with baseline prowess in the decider, affirming his readiness for bigger stages.
Doubles action crowned Nam and Niklas-Salminen as champions after a tense 6-4, 6-7(1), 10-7 win over Isaro and Poonacha. The victors claimed $4,980, 75 ATP points, and a trophy; the finalists got $2,880, 50 points, and silverware.
Trophies were handed out by key figures including Shrawan Hardikar (MMRDA), Sunder Iyer and Rajiv Desai (MSLTA), Rogerio Santos (ATP), with Leena Nageshkar present. The stage is set for Sunday’s final, where Gill and Sina will vie for glory, ranking points, and a slice of history in Pune.