Tennis: Schwaerzler, Napolitano renew rivalry in Rwanda Challenger 100

Forty-eight hours after facing each other in the ATP Challenger 75 final in Kigali, Joel Schwaerzler and Stefano Napolitano will meet again—this time in the first round of the Rwanda Challenger 100 on Tuesday, March 10, at IPRC-Kigali Ecology Tennis Club. Napolitano enjoyed an impressive run from the qualifying rounds to the final, but his title hopes were dashed by the Austrian, who lifted the Challenger trophy after defeating him 7–6(5), 7–6(6). ALSO READ: Schwaerzler defeats Napolitano to lift first Challenger title in Kigali Rain interrupted Saturday’s final with Schwaerzler leading 7–6(5), 2–3, forcing the match to be completed the following day. When play resumed on Sunday, the Austrian maintained his composure to close out the thrilling two-day final with back-to-back tie-break wins. Iradukunda enters main draw Meanwhile, Burundi’s Guy Orly Iradukunda became the only East African player to qualify for the Rwanda Challenger 100 main draw after defeating Serbia’s Stefan Latinovic in straight sets 6–1, 7–5 on Monday. Iradukunda will now face former French Open semifinalist Marco Cecchinato in the first round on Tuesday at 10:00 am. ALSO READ: Schwaerzler admits tough transition from hard court to clay in Kigali Other matches Second seed Arthur Gea, who reached the Challenger 75 semifinals, also returns to action on Tuesday where he will face wildcard Cesar Bouchelaghem. Elsewhere, Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena will take on Eero Vasa. Tuesday’s Order of Play Centre Court 10 AM: Marco Cecchinato vs Guy Orly Iradukunda Followed by: Eliakim Coulibaly vs Corentin Denolly Followed by: Joel Schwaerzler vs Stefano Napolitano Court 1 10 AM: Sandro Kopp vs Calvin Hemery Followed by: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Eero Vasa Followed by: Cesar Bouchelaghem vs Arthur Gea Court 2 10 AM: Max Houkes vs Luka Pavlovic Followed by: Ryan Nijboer vs Filip Cristian Jianu Followed by: Florent Bax vs Maximilian Neuchrist Court 3 10 AM: Maik Steiner vs Jay Clarke Followed by: Alexander Donski vs Garrett Johns Followed by: Gabriele Pennaforti vs Sean Cuenin

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Tennis: Schwaerzler, Napolitano renew rivalry in Rwanda Challenger 100