Tabilo Triumphs in Electrifying Chengdu Open Final to Claim Third ATP Tour Title
Qualifier Alejandro Tabilo capped a sensational Chengdu Open campaign, saving two match points to complete a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) victory over Italian world No.9 Lorenzo Musetti in two hours and 37 minutes on Center Court, leaving a rapturous crowd on their feet at the Sichuan International Tennis Center.
Tabilo seized the initiative early in the tie, converting his first break opportunity in the sixth game to take the opening set. Musetti fought back in the second as the world No.112 Tabilo showed signs of tiring, earning breaks in the second and eighth games to level the contest and push the match to a decider.
The third set was a nerve-jangling affair, with Musetti holding two championship points against Tabilo’s serve in the eleventh game, but the Italian was unable to capitalise. Musetti once again held the advantage when he surged to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak, but Tabilo responded with three consecutive points to level at 4-4. Holding his next service points, the 28-year-old took a 6-5 lead with championship point against serve. Tabilo returned serve, and with Musetti’s shot sailing into the net, he fell to the court in jubilation.
The victory marks Tabilo’s third ATP Tour title and his first hard-court win over a Top 20 opponent in 16 attempts—a milestone for the Chilean qualifier.
“It was insane being able to save two match points. It was just a really good match, one of those that could have gone either way. I relied a lot on my team in the tough moments, and they helped me loosen up and find another wind. I just kept going and served really well in the end—that was the key to pulling it off. Considering the injuries and ups and downs I’ve had this year, this is one of the biggest wins of my career, and I’m just so happy I was able to stay there and keep fighting,” said Tabilo.
Musetti’s loss here today is his fifth consecutive final loss in the last two years, and the Italian was visibly distraught at missing his chance to finally capture the Chengdu Open crown.
“It’s hard to look at the positives now, but I think it was a really good match. At the beginning I was a bit nervous and in too much of a rush. I fought for every point this week and perhaps deserved a better ending for the work I put in. Of course, it’s painful—especially after having two match points—but I know that the way I am working and approaching this sport with a great mentality is helping me make steps forward, so I have to be proud of that,” said the 23-year-old.
In a pulsating doubles final held earlier in the day, German-Dutch duo Constantin Frantzen and Robin Haase fought back from a set down to defeat the American-Dutch pair Vasil Kirkov and Bart Stevens 4-6, 6-3, 10-7, securing their first ATP title as a team.
The opening two sets were mirror opposites, with each pair earning early breaks before holding serve to take either set. The championship was ultimately decided in a tense super tiebreaker, where the teams traded points neck and neck before Frantzen and Haase seized critical mini-breaks in the ninth and twelfth points to gain a decisive edge. Kirkov and Stevens fought back valiantly, saving two match points at 9-5, but the comeback fell just short.
“I think it was a really good match from all four players. When it’s a final, it’s always that close, and today it went our way,” said Haase.
The victory adds a tenth career ATP Tour doubles title for Haase and his second of the year. Meanwhile, it marks a landmark achievement for Frantzen, who captures his maiden career title after three previous final losses.
“Having Robin as a partner has made a big difference. I’ve learned a lot from him over the past weeks and months—just to stay calm on the court and enjoy the moments, which was something I struggled with before. I think that was the key today, that we kept going with joy, and in the end I’m very happy to win this with Robin,” said Frantzen.
The tournament is organised by the Chinese Tennis Association and Chengdu Municipal Government, co-organised by the Chengdu Sports Bureau, Shuangliu District Government, the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Group, promoted by IMG and the Sichuan Investment International Tennis Centre Development Co., Ltd, and operated by the Chengdu Sports Events Industry Development Co., Ltd.
The Chengdu Open is also very proud to have the support of our distinguished partners, including Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank, CSWADI Photon Technology Co., People’s Insurance Company of China, Bank of Chengdu, Li-Ning, the ATP Tour’s Premier Partner Emirates, Yonex, Jingdong Logistics, Gran Melia Chengdu, Lynk & Co, Damai, Yi-Mian, COFCO Coca-Cola, Chengdu Radio and Television, Youku Sports, Tencent Sports, Migu and Bilibili.
