CAMPINAS, October 7, 2019
Juan Pablo Varillas celebrated his maiden title on the ATP Challenger by winning the Campeonato Internacional de Tenis Campinas held on clay at the Sociedade Hipica de Campinas, Brazil. The 24-year-old has become the fifth Peruvian champion and first since Luis Horna in 2008. Varillas fought past Juan Pablo Ficovich of Argentina 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 in Sunday’s singles final.
The World No. 332 from Lima, who didn’t drop a set en route to the title match, won one point more than his opponent to secure victory in two hours and 26 minutes.
Peru 🇵🇪 has its first #ATPChallenger champion in 11 years!
Juan Pablo Varillas takes the title in Campinas. The fifth Peruvian winner and first since Luis Horna in 2008. pic.twitter.com/9VtavvJw3Z
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 6, 2019
“It’s the highest level of tennis I’ve ever played, I hope to keep improving and playing more finals like that,” Varillas said.
“Before the match I talked to my coach and remembered that the first time I came to Brazil I played two qualifications at ATP Challenger events. The matches were very tough and I never saw myself playing at this level. Four years later, winning a Challenger here is a result of hard work and continuing to fight even when things are not going well. I am very happy.”
Varillas pocketed $7,200 in prize money as well as 80 ATP Ranking points.
Later in the day, Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos took the doubles trophies. The all-Brazilian duo upset the tournament’s No. 1 seeds Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela of Mexico and Fernando Romboli from Brazil 6-7(2), 6-4, 10-8. The encounter lasted one hour and 56 minutes.
