Federico Cina Triumphs at MahaOpen ATP Challenger 75 Tennis Championship

Federico Cina triumphed at the MahaOpen ATP Challenger 75, defeating Felix Gill in a thrilling final. After saving five match points, Cina secured his first Challenger title with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (1). The event, organized by MSLTA and supported by various government bodies, showcased intense competition and remarkable sportsmanship. The final match lasted nearly 2.5 hours, culminating in a decisive tie-break where Cina dominated. He received a trophy, prize money, and ATP ranking points, marking a significant milestone in his career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 21:25 IST

Cina Clinches First Challenger Title

In an exhilarating match, sixth seed Federico Cina emerged victorious against Britain's Felix Gill, saving five match points to secure his first Challenger title at the MahaOpen ATP Challenger 75 Men's Tennis Championship. The final score was 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (1), held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul, Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Stadium on Sunday.

Event Organization and Sponsorship

The Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) organized the tournament in collaboration with the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Maharashtra, along with PCMC, PMC, and PMDTA. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) sponsored the event.

A Nail-Biting Final

The match lasted 2 hours and 29 minutes, showcasing a thrilling contest where Cina maintained his composure during the decisive tie-break. He started strong, winning the first set 6-3 with aggressive baseline tactics and effective serving.

Gill, however, mounted a fierce comeback in the second set, breaking at a pivotal moment to equalize the match. The final set featured intense rallies, with both players refusing to yield.

Cina faced five match points while serving at 5-6 but managed to recover each time, much to the delight of the crowd supporting Gill. He ultimately forced a tie-break in the third set, where the 18-year-old from Palermo elevated his game, dominating the tie-break 7-1 to clinch the championship.

Awards and Recognition

As the singles champion, Cina received a trophy, USD 17,000, and 75 ATP ranking points. The runner-up, Gill, was awarded a trophy, USD 9,600, and 40 ATP ranking points. The presentation ceremony featured Prithviraj B.P, Additional Municipal Commissioner of Pune, alongside Prashant Sutar, President of MSLTA, Sunder Iyer, Hon. Secretary of MSLTA, Rajiv Desai, Joint Secretary of MSLTA, and ATP Supervisor Rogerio Santos. Referee Leena Nageshkar was also in attendance.

Final Match Results

Singles Final Result: Federico Cina [6] (ITA) defeated Felix Gill (GBR) 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (1).