Trungelliti, Tabur faceoff in Rwanda Challenger 2 final
Saturday, March 09, 2024

Only Clement Tabur stands in the way of Marco Trungelliti who wants to win a third ATP Challenger title when the two meet in the final of Rwanda Challenger 2 on Sunday at Kigali Ecology Club.

Fifth seee Tabur, 24, now has his eyes set on what would be his first ever Challenger title and he will need to be on top of his game against the Argentine fourth seed.

The Frenchman reached a second ATP Challenger of his career after beating Damien Wenger (SWISS) in the semi-final 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday.

Trungelliti, 34, had his revenge over Kamil Majchrzak, who beat him in the final of Week 1. He won their semifinal contest 6-3, 6-4.

It promises to be an interesting final for the neutrals given the form of both players.

Tabur has won over the local fan base for his ‘never say never’ approach to get the game done, whereas Trungelliti's quality tennis makes him pre-final favorite.

Speaking to Times Sport after his win over Wenger, Tabur said, "I think I played my best tennis today, I enjoyed myself on the court."

"Now I go to the hotel to rest, get ready for the final tomorrow(Sunday)," and asked about his opponent, he said, "I actually never faced him before but hopefully I will have a good match."

"It will be great to win my first (ATP) Challenger title in Rwanda. I have been to one final before, this is going to be my second, so I hope it's my time."

One the other side, Trungelliti, who won his second Challenger title back in 2019, said he knew his semifinal opponent would be a little tired having played more matches in Kigali than any other player.

"I knew it was going to be tough, I also knew he would be a bit tired or very tired because he has played many matches but maybe it was good for him, because he was winning quite easily," he told Times Sport.

Speaking of his successful revenge over Majchrzak, the Argentine said, "He was in good rhythm so I decided to make it a long game, long point even though here it's not easy because of the altitude but I tried hard for him."

"Maybe he was shocked a little bit and at the end it paid off especially when he was serving at 4-4 he made a couple of mistakes that I am pretty sure was because he was tired."

About Sunday's final, he said, "I am going to watch his match and see how he plays, his strength and weakness. Hopefully tomorrow, I am going to be calmer than last week."

Meanwhile, Thomas Fancutt (AUT) and Hunter Reese (USA) won the doubles title on Saturday after beating Dev SD Prajwal (IND) and David Pichler AUT) 6-1, 7-5.