In the Auckland Classic final on Saturday, Alejandro Tabilo secured his first ATP Tour title by defeating Japan’s Taro Daniel with a score of 6-2 7-5, setting the stage for a strong start at the Australian Open.
The 26-year-old Chilean, currently ranked 82 in the world, is expected to break into the top 50 following his victory. Despite being tied at 2-2, Tabilo swiftly dominated the opening set. The second set proved to be a tougher challenge, but he ultimately emerged victorious, marking the first time a Chilean man has earned a hardcourt tour-level title since Fernando Gonzalez in Beijing in 2007.
Tabilo is now gearing up for his first round match against American Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Australian Open on Monday. The Grand Slam event commences on Sunday.
This report was made by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne and has been edited by Peter Rutherford.
