Chris Rodesch rallies for a dramatic three-set win in Tallahassee Tennis Challenger
Emilio Nava was on a roll, winning 19 consecutive matches and attempting to capture his fourth consecutive Tallahassee Tennis Challenger singles title on Easter Sunday.
And when the American jumped out to a quick break and won the first set 6-4 over Chris Rodesch of Luxembourg, it appeared Nava was on his way to reaching that milestone.
Rodesch, however, flipped the script with a dramatic comeback.
The 23-year-old and former University of Virginia star captured the next two sets 6-3, 6-4, serving out for the thrilling win at Forestmeadows Tennis Complex. He's the second player from Luxembourg to win an ATP Challenger Tour title, alongside former World No. 21 Giles Muller.
Following his first Challenger title, Rodesch is at a career-high No. 177 in the PIF ATP Rankings from No. 644 a year ago.
“Now, in the Challengers I feel ready, I feel like I belong,” Rodesch told APTour.com.
“That was really important for me as well. A huge confidence boost for me. (Gaining entry) into Roland Garros qualifying in the last week is possible, it’s a step for sure but I have bigger goals.”
According to APTour.com, Nava was aiming to join Guillermo Coria (2000) and Tallon Griekspoor (2021) as the only players to win four Challenger titles in as many consecutive tournaments.
He had won 35 consecutive sets, including the opener of the Tallahassee final. David Goffin holds with record for most consecutive sets won (36) on the Challenger Tour.
In Saturday’s doubles final, Liam Draxl and Cleeve Harper took a straight set victory, 6-2, 6-3. They converted 5 of break points and saved four break points on their own serves.
The 25th Tallahassee Tennis Challenger Presented by Visit Tallahassee was held April 13 through April 20.
The ATP Challenger Tour is the launchpad of men's professional tennis, featuring more than 180 tournaments across more than 40 countries.
- Information from the Tallahassee Tennis Challenger and APTour.com was used in this report.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Tennis Challenger ends with a thrilling singles finals
