Iasi, Romania – In a final for the ages at the ATP Challenger event in Iasi, Denmark`s Elmer Møller completed a remarkable escape act, saving five match points before ultimately overcoming Frenchman Titouan Droguet to secure the title.
The world number 117 defeated the 194th-ranked Droguet in a tension-filled battle that stretched over two hours and thirty minutes on the Romanian clay courts. The final scoreline read 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2) in favor of the Dane.
The match began with Droguet taking the first set, breaking Møller`s serve to gain an early advantage. However, Møller responded decisively in the second set, finding his rhythm and dominating play to level the contest emphatically with a 6-1 scoreline.
The deciding third set proved to be a true test of nerve and resilience. With the score tight, Droguet served to stay in the match at 4-5. It was in this critical game that the drama reached its peak. Møller, facing the precipice of defeat, stared down not one, not two, but a staggering five match points against him while serving to stay alive. With incredible composure under immense pressure, he managed to fend off each threat, holding serve in a truly memorable display of mental fortitude to bring the set level at 5-5.
Having survived the scare, the momentum shifted. The set moved into a tie-break, where Møller capitalized on his hard-won reprieve, playing solid tennis to win the tie-break 7-2 and close out the championship match.
This victory marks Elmer Møller`s second ATP Challenger title of the current season and the third of his career. The triumph earns him a significant 100 ATP ranking points, further bolstering his position as he continues to climb the professional ladder, along with €20,630 in prize money. While disappointed with the outcome after holding multiple opportunities to win, Titouan Droguet`s strong performance throughout the week earns him 50 ranking points and €12,110.
The head-to-head record between the two players is now tied at 1-1, promising potentially interesting future encounters. Møller`s ability to dig deep and perform under the ultimate pressure at key moments was the defining factor in this thrilling Iasi final.
