A match-point saving feat drove James Duckworth to his 15th ATP Challenger trophy in Hangzhou, while Omar Jasika and Destanee Aiava defended titles in Cairns.
14 October 2024 | Tennis Australia
From match point down in his opening round against Yasutaka Uchiyama, Duckworth rode his narrow escape all the way to the title at the Hangzhou Challenger.
The 32-year-old’s 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4 win over Mackenzie McDonald in the final ensured a 15th career ATP Challenger title, his first since Playford, Australia last year.
Duckworth maintained his place in the top 70 and as the fourth-ranked Australian behind Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson.
The last man standing in Hangzhou 🔥
It’s Challenger crown No. 1⃣5⃣ for @JamesDuck21 as he prevails in three intense sets over McDonald 2-6, 7-6, 6-4!#ATPChallenger | @TennisAustralia pic.twitter.com/cml718kq7I
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 13, 2024
This week’s most outstanding performers also include…
Omar Jasika: Twenty-seven wins on the trot. That’s the unbeaten streak the 27-year-old has built after he claimed his fifth straight trophy following his Cairns M25 title defence. It marks Jasika’s seventh title this year and his 15th at any level in his career.
Destanee Aiava: Following a near three-hour battle with compatriot Maddison Inglis, the 24-year-old claimed her ninth ITF title at the Cairns W35 event. A successful title defence handed Aiava her first singles trophy of the season and in a busy event she was also a finalist in the women’s doubles. Aiava and Alexandra Bozovic lost to Petra Hule and Alana Parnaby.
> READ MORE: Exciting conclusion to week 2 of Cairns Pro Tour
Bernard Tomic: The former world No.17 reached his biggest final in six years at the ATP Challenger event in Fairfield, in the US, where he fell short of his fourth career title at that level following a defeat to top seed Learner Tien. It was the 31-year-old’s biggest final since his 2018 ATP title in Chengdu and was his 45th match win at all levels this year, his most since 2008.
Tristan Schoolkate: The 23-year-old reached the semifinals of the Fairfield Challenger where he succumbed to countryman Tomic in straight sets. It was Schoolkate’s first semifinal since his maiden Challenger title in Guangzhou in May and his third this season.
Rinky Hijikata: Seeded second, Hijikata reached the quarterfinals at the Hangzhou Challenger where American Mackenzie…
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