Quebec’s Alexis Galarneau took top honors in the men’s section of the National Bank Championships in Granby on Sunday.
He also defeated the Australian Philip Sekulic in three sets 6:4, 3:6 and 6:3.
Garlarneau, seeded seventh of the event, prevailed in two hours and 25 minutes.
The 220th player in the ATP world rankings was distinguished by an increase in his level of play in the key moments of the duel against the young man from the qualifiers. Notably, the Lavallois saved three of the five break points scored by his rival. He also took over the services of the 19-year-old three times.
Galarneau also won 70% of contested rallies when he placed his first serve attempt in the game.
It is the first career title in a Challenger tournament for the 23-year-old tennis player. It was also the first time he had reached the final at Granby, where he was competing for the sixth time. North Carolina University’s product thus won a check for $17,650 and 100 points in the ATP rankings.
Additionally, Galarneau is the second player from Belle province to win the event in as many editions. Gabriel Diallo experienced this happiness in 2022.
Katherine Sebov loses in the final
In the women’s event, Canadian Katherine Sebov lowered her flag in the final of the event in Estrie.
She lost to American Kayla Day in three sets 6:4, 2:6 and 7:5. The 125th player in the world triumphed over the 160th level holder in three hours and one minute.
Day needed five match points to finally end hostilities, including four in the twelfth and final point of the final set.
However, the champion showed ups and downs when in possession of the ball. Day had six aces but committed nine double faults. She set 55% of her first serve attempts and won 55% of rallies in that situation. However, the 23-year-old won 65% of the rallies played with her second serves.
Sebov offered 17 break points but only converted five. This is the second time the 24-year-old Torontonian has lost in the final at Granby, having lost in 2017.