SUMTER /STARNBERG, August 18, 2025
Italy’s Mattia Bellucci captured the title at the inaugural Serve First Open in Sumter, South Carolina after No. 5 seed Alexander Shevchenko was forced to retire in Sunday’s final due to a knee injury. The third seed Bellucci was leading 7-6(5), 3-1 when the Kazakh player could no longer continue.
Bellucci had been in dominant form all week, reaching the championship match without dropping a set. The 24-year-old Italian defeated Portugal’s Henrique Rocha, Slovakia’s Lukas Klein, and another Portuguese player, Jaime Faria, on his way to the final.
Not the way we wanted this to end…☹️
Shevchenko is forced to retire as Bellucci takes home the trophy in Sumter#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/Rq7Zp8UAOz
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 17, 2025
The victory marks Bellucci’s fourth career ATP Challenger crown, his first since 2023, and the biggest title of his career so far. With the win, he collected $30,700 in prize money and 125 ATP Ranking points. Bellucci will now continue his campaign this week at the Winston-Salem Open.
The Serve First Open was hosted by the Palmetto Tennis Center and offered a total prize pool of $200,000. Sumter is a small city located in central South Carolina, known for its rich history, Southern charm, and natural beauty. Often referred to as the “Gamecock City,” Sumter played a notable role during the American Civil War and has since grown into a welcoming community with a mix of tradition and modern life.
The city is home to Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a unique park famous for its vibrant Japanese irises and elegant swans, attracting visitors from across the region. With its blend of historic landmarks, outdoor spaces, and a strong sense of community, Sumter offers both residents and visitors a glimpse of classic Southern culture in a relaxed setting.
