SZCZECIN, September 15, 2019

Jozef Kovalik took the title of the 2019 Pekao Szczecin Open held on clay courts at the Courts of MOSRiR Szczecin. The 26-year-old from Slovakia fought past defending champion Guido Andreozzi of Argentina, who won the doubles competition alongside Andres Molteni on Saturday, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final.

Kovalik capitalized on eight of his 15 break point chances to prevail after one two hours and 44 minutes.

He saved three match points on Wednesday. And on Sunday, Jozek Kovalik lifted the 🏆

The champion in Szczecin @PekaoSznOpen, Kovalik ousts reigning titlist Guido Andreozzi 67(5) 62 64. pic.twitter.com/PeHNtkwCGa

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 15, 2019

Kovalik, who had been sidelined from the courts for six months due to a wrist injury, was happy to lift his first trophy of the season.

“Now I am just happy and tired. It was so tough and I had to fight until the end,” Kovalik said after the final. “I just stayed focused and ran for every ball. We both played our best match and it was very close. It is my first big win after my injury. I’m so happy I made it here in Szczecin, because it is a really nice Challenger. 

“It was feeling like at home. It was crazy. The atmosphere felt familiar, helped me and was pushing me forward.”

By lifting his fourth ATP Challenger career trophy, the World No. 346 from Bratislava took away from Poland €18,290 in prize money as well as 125 ATP Ranking points.

Jozef Kovalik 🇸🇰 clinches his first 🏆 of the season: “It is my first big win after my injury. I’m so happy I made it here in Szczecin, because it is a really nice Challenger!”

📹: @PekaoSznOpen pic.twitter.com/rbHcnc7Ay2

— TennisTourTalk (@TennisTourTalk) September 15, 2019