Tennis Canada – Canadians Sebov and Polansky finish runner-up
 
Granby, July 30, 2017 –  Two Canadians were in finals action on Sunday in Granby on Sunday, one in each of the draws. Despite hard fought battles, it was Cristiana Ferrando of Italy and Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia who were crowned singles champions at the $160,000 Granby National Bank Challenger which was played from July 24-30.
 
First up on Centre Court was the women’s final opposing Canadian Katherine Sebov (Toronto, ON) against Italian Cristiana Ferrando. Both players had to go through tough opponents in order to reach the final, with Sebov notably eliminating the tournament’s eighth seed Mayo Hibi of Japan and compatriot Bianca Andreescu (Mississauga, ON), the tournament’s first seed. The 18-year-old Canadian was looking to capture her first professional title on Sunday.
 
Playing in her first final at the professional level, Sebov showed some nerves early in the match, where she went down two early breaks. After 34 minutes of play, the Canadian dropped the first set to her Italian opponent, committing two double faults in the process. In the second, she was again broken in her opening service game, and broken twice more. Serving for the match, Ferrando seemed in control of the match, reaching championship point. The young Canadian, however, was determined to fight back and broke her opponent to stay in the match. With the full support of the packed crowd, Sebov broke again and regained confidence. Although she managed to save a second match point, she was unable to do it a third time, loosing 6-2, 6-3 to Ferrando.
 
“I had a really great week here in Granby. I didn’t play my best tennis in today’s match, but I am proud of my performance overall,” stated Sebov. “Thank you to everyone who helped to organize this tournament and thanks to the fans who supported me, especially during today’s match.”
 
Playing in his third consecutive Challenger final on Sunday was Peter Polansky (, who had reached the finals in Winnipeg and Gatineau prior to coming to Granby. Sunday’s final opposed him against the player who had defeated him in Winnipeg, Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia. Kavcic and Polansky were seeded first and second in the tournament respectively.
 
In the first, the Canadian went down an early break and was broke again at the end of the set, allowing his opponent to take the first. In the second set, it was Polansky this time who got the opening break. With the unwavering support of the Granby crowd, he stormed back to take the second and even out the score of the match. In the decider, both players elevated their game to another level, providing lengthy entertaining rallies. After exchanging breaks in the third, it was Kavcic who earned the crucial break at the end to capture the title by a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
 
“It was a pretty high-level match that could have gone either way. I think we both had a little fun on some of the points, the match had a little bit of everything and was pretty entertaining,” stated Polansky after the final. “It was hard fought on both sides, with some good points from both of us. I am pleased with my performances in these last few weeks. I look forward to playing again in Montreal at the Rogers Cup.”
 
The Granby National Bank Challenger was the second of two mixed draw tournaments held in Quebec during the month of July. The tournament was preceded by the Granby National Bank Challenger.
 

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Information:
Valérie Tétreault
Tennis Canada
Phone: 514-519-1606