Briton Clarke returns to Challenger winner's circle; #NextGenATP Cina upset

Jay Clarke is back in the winner's circle on the ATP Challenger Tour. The Briton secured his fourth crown at that level and first since May 2022 by winning the Macedonian Open in Skopje, North Macedonia.

The 26-year-old earned a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over Nerman Fatic in Saturday's final, during which Clarke converted all four of his break points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, sealing the win in 84 minutes. Clarke, who is up 64 spots to No. 186 in the PIF ATP Rankings, did not drop a set en route to the title.

"I am very very happy with this week. I actually love playing here," he said.

"It was a very tough for week for me. But I am very happy I've had a lot of wins this year."

First title since April 2022 🏆🙌@JayClarkeNo1 denies Fatic 6-2, 6-3 in Skopje!#ATPChallenger | @the_LTA pic.twitter.com/6PjXRjTCVP

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 24, 2025

In other Challenger action, Saba Purtseladze completed a dream week on Saturday at the Mziuri Cup in Tbilisi, where he clinched his maiden title at that level on home soil.

The 23-year-old defeated #NextGenATP Italian Federico Cina 7-6(5), 6-4 in the championship match. Purtseladze won 81 per cent (25/43) of his first-serve points and saved all three break points he faced en route to a one-hour, 33-minute victory.

Maiden Challenger trophy ✅

Saba Purtseladze is the champion in Tbilisi! #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/d53sIHz3h2

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 24, 2025

Following his triumph, the Georgian climbed to a career-high No. 238 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Cina, who was also bidding for his maiden Challenger title on Saturday, reached his first final in March in Hersonissos before earning his maiden ATP Tour match win at the Miami Open presented by Itau.