Cedrik-Marcel Stebe has had a tough career. The German, a former World No.71, has spent more than four years on the sidelines with injuries.
The most troubling, a hip injury first suffered in 2013, has kept him out for four years overall across two separate spells.
Yet Stebe came back this year, and has won his first Challenger title in nearly four years by defeating third seed Laslo Djere in straight sets 6-0, 6-3.
“Laslo is a tough opponent. I knew that I have to fight for the win today. Maybe I was in better physical shape towards the end of the match and I am really happy to win a tournament after more than four years.”
Stebe dropped just two sets in the tournament, to Lloyd Harris of South Africa in the second round and Adam Pavlasek in the semis Stebe had a fairly fortunate draw, not facing a seed until Pavlasek. Stebe has had his fair share of misfortune, and definitely deserves a little luck.
In other events Marton Fucsovics continued his push to the Top 100 by winning the Ikley Challenger. He defeated Australian qualifier Alex Bolt 6-1, 6-4. He earns 110 ATP points and will significantly improve his ranking from No.136, though it is unlikely to push him into the Top 100 next week.
In Blois top seed Damir Dzumhur was close to going out in the second round when he lost the first set to teenage sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime. Dzumhur recovered though, and won the title with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 over Calvin Hemery. The win will cement Dzumhur’s Top 100 ranking ahead of Wimbledon. He started this week at No.94.
