Schwaerzler defeats Napolitano to lift first Challenger title in Kigali

Austrian youngster Joel Schwaerzler overpowered Italy’s Stefano Napolitano in a tense tie-break battle to win 7–6(5), 7–6(6) and secure the first-week Rwanda Challenger 75 title at IPRC Kigali Ecology Tennis Club on Sunday. The final lasted two days after rainfall halted the match on Saturday shortly after the first set ended, with Schwaerzler leading his Italian opponent. Despite the interruption, the 20-year-old remained composed and returned on Sunday to finish the job, earning 75 ATP ranking points with the victory. Before the suspension, the opening set lasted one hour and 19 minutes. Schwaerzler, who reached the final after stunning top seed and 2024 Kigali champion Marco Trungelliti, edged the set 7–6(5). When play resumed, Napolitano attempted a comeback and took a 3–2 lead in the second set. However, Schwaerzler responded strongly, forcing another tie-break before sealing the match 7–6(6) to claim the title. “I arrived late on Monday, and moving from indoor to outdoor courts was tough to adapt to. But I had been here last year and felt great playing here. In the important moments I played good tennis, and luckily I won the title,” Schwaerzler told Times Sport. Following the conclusion of the first-week final, the tournament will continue with the ATP Challenger 100, scheduled to take place at the same venue from March 9 to 15.

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Schwaerzler defeats Napolitano to lift first Challenger title in Kigali