Pune’s Balewadi Tennis Stadium witnessed tennis drama at its finest as Federico Sina, the 18-year-old sixth seed from Italy, outlasted Felix Gill of Britain 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(1) to win the Mahaopen ATP Challenger 75 title. This Sunday showdown marked Sina’s breakthrough first Challenger success, defined by his clutch performance in the face of adversity.
Sina started strong, using his baseline aggression to claim the opener 6-3. Gill responded with tenacity, breaking serve to win the second set and extend the final into a tense third frame. What followed was a riveting display of shot-making, with neither player conceding an inch in prolonged rallies.
On the brink of defeat at 5-6 with five match points against him, Sina summoned extraordinary mental fortitude. Saving all threats, he dragged the set to a tie-break and overwhelmed Gill 7-1, clinching the match after nearly two and a half hours. The roaring crowd saluted the young champion’s grit.
The spoils for Sina: trophy, $17,000, and 75 ATP points to fuel his ascent. Gill collected $9,600 and 40 points. Backed by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association and local partners, this tournament not only delivered world-class action but also boosted tennis enthusiasm in the region, with Sina emerging as the undisputed star.