Rei Sakamoto has completed a remarkable journey in 2024, securing his first Challenger title at the Yokkaichi Challenger in Japan. The 18-year-old began the season by winning the Australian Open junior title and has now joined an elite group of players born in 2006 who have claimed Challenger titles, alongside Joel Schwaerzler, Joao Fonseca, and Martin Landaluce.
With this victory, Sakamoto earned 54 ATP ranking points, propelling him into the top 450 and surpassing nearly 250 competitors in the ATP standings. This triumph marks Sakamoto’s sixth Challenger event in his career.
Receiving a wild card for the tournament, Sakamoto navigated the early rounds with ease, winning his first three matches in straight sets. In the semi-finals, he faced fellow Japanese player Shintaro Mochizuki, defeating him 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to advance to the final.
In the championship match, Sakamoto encountered qualifier Christoph Negritu. After a slow start, he rallied to win 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, securing the title in one hour and 42 minutes. Negritu dominated the first set, winning ten more points than Sakamoto and converting two of three break points.
The German took control early, breaking Sakamoto twice to lead 5-1 in the opener. However, Sakamoto regrouped in the second set, raising his level of play and breaking Negritu to take a 4-2 lead. He served for the set at 5-3, ultimately forcing a decisive third set.
In the final set, both players held serve until 4-4, when Sakamoto seized the moment, breaking Negritu’s serve and taking a 5-4 lead. He served for the championship, sealing his first Challenger title with a service winner on match point. This victory marks a significant milestone in Sakamoto’s burgeoning career.
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