It was an exciting day at the Tiburon Challenger with top-notch play and highly competitive matches for the tournament’s finale. In Men’s Doubles, Hans Hach Verdugo (MEX) and Luke Saville (AUS) prevailed to take the championship, after going through two qualifying matches to make their way into the main competition. “This tournament was tough, and today’s win was a great accomplishment,” said Hach Verdugo.
In Men’s Singles, Michael Mmoh (USA) edged out Marcel Granollers (ESP) to win the trophy. Mmoh, 20, recently won the Columbus Challenger, making it two in a row. “I believe this elevates you to the top 100 in the world,” said tournament director Brendan Curry.
Although Mmoh won in two straight sets, it was a close match, and he acknowledged Granollers for his performance. “I’m really happy to compete on the same tennis court as him. It’s an honor,” he said.
Men’s Singles Final
[5] M. Mmoh (USA) d [1] M. Granollers (ESP) 63 75
Men’s Doubles Final
[Q] H. Hach Verdugo (MEX)/L. Saville (AUS) d. G. Granollers (ESP)/P. Martinez (ESP) 63 62
A Note from Tournament Director Brendan Curry
What an incredible tournament! Record crowds, perfect playing conditions, amazing athletes and great spirit from all involved contributed to the 2018 Tiburon Challenger being the best we’ve ever had!
I’ve included some commentary on yesterday’s Finals below. For more on-court and behind the scenes photos and videos from this year’s tournament, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
I hope to see you all next year!
– Brendan
First match up —doubles finals—went the way of the qualifying team of Hans Hach Verdugo (MEX) and Luke Saville (AUS), who were simply the better team today, 6-3 6-2. Last year we saw the tournament wildcard team go all the way and win the tourney. This year the qualifying team takes the title. Why? Because the quality of all these players is so high, on a given day they all have a shot.
And then there was the finals showdown — it could not have been teed up any better! No. 1 seed, Spain’s Marcel Granollers vs no.5 seed American Michael Mmoh — this match-up was always going to be exciting and certainly did not disappoint. Mmoh continued his good form, which has now seen him take back-to-back Challenger Tour titles—here today, and last week in Columbus, Ohio.
Mmoh’s ability to keep the ball coming back added pressure to the transition game that Marcel is so strong at. First set Mmoh 6-3. Granollers had a few break points in the second set, and the crowd was getting fired up at the prospect of this match being extended to a third. On one shot, Marcel executed the smoothest, most cunning sneak approach, completely taking Mmoh by surprise, but an uncharacteristic missed volley saw Marcel’s opportunity erased, and Mmoh rallied to stay even.
In the end, it was Michael’s day. He deserved the win, and a very big congratulations to him as he breaks through to the Top 100 in the world, as a result of having won today in Tiburon! This is a massive milestone in the career of a tennis professional, and we are proud that he made it happen at the Tiburon Challenger.
