ATP Sardegna Open 2021 Final : Lorenzo Sonego creates history, becomes first Italian to win on Clay in Italy in 15 years


ATP Sardegna Open 2021 Final : Lorenzo Sonego creates history, becomes first Italian to win on Clay in Italy in 15 years

Lorenzo Sonego

World No. 34 an the 3rd seed, Lorenzo Sonego creates history at the ATP Sardegna Open 2021 by winning the title and becoming the first Italian in 15-years to win on Clay. To put things in a better way, Sonego was just 10-years old last time an Italian won on Clay.

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Sonego had to go into the final-set against World No. 57 Laslo Djere after losing the first set. Djere comfortably won the first set 6-2 but Sonego staged a hard-fought comeback in the second to bag the second set 7-6(5). In a match that went over 3-hours, both the players played some exceptional tennis in their battle for the glory of the title.

Laslo Djere was on a 9-game unbeaten streak in Italy as he was also the defending champion at the tournament. Lorenzo Sonego ended the streak in sensational fashion winning 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 and also became the first player to win both the singles and doubles event in the same week since 2019, last time it being done by Feliciano Lopez at the 2019 Cinch Championships.

“I’d like to start by congratulating Laslo on a great week. He played some great matches. And to your team, you’ve conducted yourselves extremely well and I wish you all the best for the next upcoming tournament.” said Sonego in the post-match trophy presentation.

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“It’s such an honour and so so special to play here on home soil in Italy.” says Lorenzo Sonego

Lorenzo Sonego
Lorenzo Sonego

The Italian was all thankful for the support he received over the week where he won both the singles and doubles event. “And to my team as well. Thank you so so much for all of your help and all your support,’ Sonego continued. ‘You’ve been there (coach) Gipo [Arbino] all week.”

“And even the fans and friends and family who couldn’t be here today, in Cagliari. Thank you so much for being there [for me].So, I’d like to thank you all. I couldn’t do what I do without your help and support. It’s such an honour and so so special to play here on home soil in Italy.”

The Italian will now be off to Monaco for the Monte Carlo Masters looking to continue his fine form into the Masters event.

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