Number two seed Filippo Volandri of Italy overcame a first set blip to outlast Colombian Alejandro Gonzalez and win the ATP Challenge Tour Finals title on Sunday with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 scoreline. The Italian was able to avenge his defeat from Gonzalez during their round robin encounter earlier in the week.
This served as Volandri’s 12th career title in the Challenger circuit, a feat only achieved by nine active players on tour.
“I want to congratulate Gonzalez on the tournament,” Volandri said. “It was a great final and a very special moment for me. I’m getting older and I can’t miss these opportunities. I know that Gonzalez will have many other opportunities to win titles.”
Despite the loss, Gonzalez only had good words for the opponent.
“Volandri is an amazing player,” said Gonzalez. “He deserved this title. For me, it was a great week. I’m happy to reach the final and also for the entire season this year.”
Volandri, who was ranked as high as number 25, went home with $84,900 in prize money and got 110 ranking points which vaulted him up the rankings to world number 70. Gonzalez gets $46,200.
