AUCKLAND: Alejandro Tabilo will head into the Australian Open on a high after winning his first ATP Tour title with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Japan’s Taro Daniel in the Auckland Classic final on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Chilean, who is ranked 82 in the world but is expected to break into the top 50 on the back of his triumph, said the title will deliver an injection of confidence after two years of pain and frustration.

The 26-year-old’s only other final appearance came on clay at the Cordoba Open in 2022, before his career path took a downward spiral.

“It honestly feels surreal right now. I’m so happy, very emotional, I never thought we were going to be here in the final,” he said.

“Last year was tough, even two years ago we made the final of Cordoba and from there we were going up and we had a little almost stress fracture on my arm.

“We had to stop that year and work back up. It’s been a lot of injuries... it’s been a crazy ride.”

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2024