PUNE, India – In a nail-biting final that had the crowd on the edge of their seats, sixth-seeded Italian teenager Federico Sina staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Britain’s Felix Gill 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(1) and claim the Mahaopen ATP Challenger 75 Men’s Tennis Championship title on Sunday. The electrifying match unfolded at the Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Sankul, Balewadi Tennis Stadium in Pune, marking Sina’s first ATP Challenger triumph at just 18 years old.
Sina dominated the opening set with aggressive baseline play and solid serving, securing a 6-3 lead. Gill fought back fiercely in the second, breaking Sina’s serve at a crucial moment to level the score at one set apiece. The decider turned into a grueling battle of endurance, with intense rallies pushing both players to their limits.
At 5-6 on serve, Sina faced five match points as Gill closed in on victory. Displaying incredible composure under pressure, the Palermo native saved every one, forcing a tie-break. There, Sina unleashed his power, dominating 7-1 to seal the win after 2 hours and 29 minutes of high-octane tennis. The packed stadium erupted as the young star lifted the trophy.
For his efforts, Sina pocketed $17,000 in prize money and 75 ATP ranking points, boosting his career trajectory. Runner-up Gill earned $9,600 and 40 points. This victory cements Sina as a rising force in men’s tennis, with his mental toughness shining brightest when it mattered most.
The tournament, organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association in collaboration with local authorities, showcased top-tier competition and drew massive crowds, underscoring Pune’s growing status as a tennis hub in India.