ATP Challenger Eckental: Vesely victory ends dry spell
Jiri Vesely is the winner of the 23rd International German Indoor Championships in Eckental. The seeded seedling of the Czech Republic defeated Belgians Steve Darcis in the final on Sunday, who played his last tournament on the ATP Challenger Tour and will be leaving the racket after the Australian Open next year.
by Florian Heer
last edit: Nov 03, 2019, 07:28 pm
By Florian Heer from Eckental
In front of about 1,500 spectators well-filled ranks in the House of Sports, Vesely prevailed after one hour and 40 minutes with 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
"I was a bit lucky, because I was not so good at the beginning of the third set," said the 26-year-old champion afterwards. "But then I was tormenting myself, playing my serve games and breaking Steve in a not so good game, I certainly played well, but in the end it was very close."
Vesely already played his second tournament on German carpets this fall. 14 days ago he reached the semi-finals at the Wolffkran Open in Ismaning.
"The tournament in Ismaning helped me mentally and I was able to build on a strong week, with the draw with Tobi Kamke in the first round and later Ilya Ivashka, who was also in the top 100, not easy It was extremely difficult and I'm super lucky now, "said Vesely, who celebrated his seventh title win on the ATP Challenger Tour, his first since his home win in Prostejov two years ago.
Vesely confirms uptrend
"It feels very good", Vesely sounds relieved to have returned to the road to success. "I played a very good clay court season in 2017 and the situation was perhaps a bit easier at that time as I was in my best shape, unfortunately many injuries followed and it took an extremely long time until I believed in myself and the way back ", according to the current number 119 of the ATP World Ranking List, which aims to reach the top 50. The last tournament of the season will be played by Vesely at the ATP Challenger in Bratislava.
"Of course I want to be in the peloton at the Australian Open, but if it does not happen so quickly, I'm convinced I'll be able to reach Paris in the end and I do not have much to defend at Wimbledon."
And what about Vesely's plans for the off-season? "I got married this year, so it's going to be on honeymoon, but then it's time to prepare for the new season."
Skupski / Smith win double competition
Already in the afternoon Ken Skupski from Great Britain and the Australian John-Patrick Smith won the doubles title. The runner-up duo defeated tournament favorites Sander Arends of the Netherlands and Czechs Roman Jebavy 7-6 (2), 6-4.
"I have pitched here several times," said Skupski, who scored his first title win in his third final appearance in Eckental. "I also train on carpet at home, so I'm used to the conditions here - basically, I like to play on fast surfaces." This week, I had a partner with JP who served great, which made a lot easier. "We played well throughout and are happy to win the title. "
The season for the two is not finished yet. Skupski and Smith will compete together next week at the ATP Challenger in Bratislava.