Paraguay's number 1 tennis player, Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, ended a historic week on the international circuit by winning the runner-up title at the ATP Challenger 175 in Valencia, the Copa Faulcombridge. In the final played this Sunday (17) on clay, Vallejo was defeated by Serbian Miomir Kecmanović 2 sets to 1, with partials of 6-2, 3-6, and 6-2, after 1 hour and 55 minutes of play.
The match started unfavorably for the Paraguayan, who felt the wear and tear of previous rounds and suffered a break in the very first service game against the opponent's power, losing the first set 6-2. In the second set, Vallejo entered more confident, defended decisive balls, and executed precise drop shots that destabilized the European. After breaking Kecmanović's serve in the sixth game, the Paraguayan consolidated the advantage and won the set 6-3, forcing a decider.
In the third set, Vallejo started by breaking the Serbian's serve, but Kecmanović's precision and accumulated fatigue prevented him from maintaining the pace. The sixth game was the turning point: an unforced error by Vallejo allowed Kecmanović a crucial break to open 4-2, an advantage the Serbian managed until closing at 6-2 and winning the title.
Despite the defeat in the final, the balance is extremely positive for the young Paraguayan's career, who played a Challenger 175 final for the first time. With the points earned in Valencia, Vallejo will rise to 70th in the ATP world ranking as of this Monday (18), his best historical mark. The next big challenge will be Roland Garros, in France.