Stefanos Sakellaridis continued his impressive breakthrough season by capturing the Moldova Open title, securing his second ATP Challenger Tour crown of 2026 and taking another significant step up the world rankings.
The 20-year-old Greek overcame local favourite Cezar Cretu 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-3 in a hard-fought final that lasted two hours and 39 minutes, showing resilience after losing a tightly contested opening set.
Playing in difficult windy conditions, Sakellaridis remained composed and gradually took control of the match, using his consistency and tactical discipline to disrupt Cretu's rhythm and turn the contest in his favour.
The victory capped a strong week in Moldova and fulfilled one of the key goals he had set for himself during the clay-court season.
Sakellaridis revealed that winning a title on clay had been one of his main objectives before the surface swing concluded, making the success in Chisinau particularly satisfying as he prepares to transition to the grass-court season.
The title adds 100 ATP ranking points and €23,750 in prize money to his growing collection of achievements. More importantly, it is expected to lift him to a career-high ranking of around World No. 153, continuing his steady climb up the professional ladder.
Source: Tennis.com
His latest success follows an equally important milestone earlier this year when he captured his maiden Challenger title in New Delhi. Combined with three ITF titles won in 2025, the results highlight the consistent progress he has made over the past two seasons.
A key part of that development has come through his work at the renowned Piatti Tennis Academy in Italy, where he trains under respected coach Riccardo Piatti.
Sakellaridis credited the academy and Piatti's experience for helping him improve both technically and mentally, allowing him to compete more effectively in challenging situations such as the windy conditions encountered throughout the week in Moldova.
The young Greek also praised the facilities in Chisinau, particularly the National Tennis Center, and expressed optimism about the future growth of tennis in the region.
Beyond his own success, Sakellaridis believes tennis continues to gain popularity in Greece thanks to the achievements of players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari. Their accomplishments, he said, have inspired more young people to take up the sport and dream of competing at the highest level.
Now armed with two Challenger titles this season and a rapidly improving ranking, Sakellaridis heads into the second half of the year full of confidence. With his progress showing no signs of slowing, the Greek prospect is increasingly establishing himself as one of the most promising young players outside the ATP Tour's top tier.
