Den Ouden Captures Porto Challenger Crown
Guy Den Ouden claimed the CT Porto Cup title on Sunday, defeating Belgian teenager Gilles-Arnaud Bailly 6-4, 6-2 to earn the second ATP Challenger Tour trophy of his career.
The 23-year-old Dutchman, ranked World No. 161, overcame a slow start after rain delays left the court damp. Bailly, contesting his first Challenger final, broke early, but Den Ouden’s consistency and variety – particularly his effective drop shot – turned the match around. From midway through the opening set, he controlled proceedings and never looked back.
“The start was a little difficult and I got too emotional, but it was an excellent tournament,” Den Ouden said. “It wasn’t the best match, but I handled the important moments well and I’m very happy to win here in Porto.”
The victory comes almost a year after his maiden Challenger triumph in Dobrich, Bulgaria and could push him toward the Top 150 when rankings update after the US Open.
For 19-year-old Bailly, the defeat was softened by a breakthrough week. The former Junior World No. 1, who had never before reached a Challenger semifinal, will rise into the Top 300 for the first time.
