Challenger recap: Stricker, Bergs, Milojevic win titles

Success on the Challenger Tour is typically a sure-fire sign of impending success on the ATP Tour. This past week, three champions were crowned.

Serbia’s Nikola Milojevic and Belgium’s Zizou Bergs captured their second career Challenger titles in Zadar, Croatia, and Lillle, France, respectively. Switzerland’s Dominic Stricker captured his maiden title on home soil in in Lugano.

Bergs is evolving into one of the more promising talents on the ATP Tour, and despite his No. 329 ATP ranking, is listed as the 104th best player in the world according to UTR. Bergs’ addition to the ATP Tour will be a welcome one, as the Belgian does not lack for fire or flare.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Stricker made some history in Lugano, becoming the third youngest Swiss man to win a Challenger title at 18 years and four months. The two youngest? You guessed it. Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, who both won their first Challenger title at 18 years and two months, and 18 years and four months, respectively.