Nicolas Jarry of Chile returns the ball to Juan Ignacio Londero of Argentina during the men's singles final at the Swedish tennis Open tournament on July 21, 2019 in Bastad, Southern Sweden. — AFP
Nicolas Jarry of Chile returns the ball to Juan Ignacio Londero of Argentina during the men's singles final at the Swedish tennis Open tournament on July 21, 2019 in Bastad, Southern Sweden. — AFP

CHILE’S Nicolas Jarry joined his grandfather in the ATP title-winners club on Sunday, beating Juan Ignacio Londero 7-6(7) 6-4 to clinch his maiden crown at the Swedish Open.

Jaime Fillol, who claimed six tour-level titles between 1971 and 1982, introduced the sport to his grandson in Santiago and the 23-year-old repaid the faith with a breakthrough title in his third career final.

“He’s one of the best Chilean tennis players. He taught me the sport since I was little. He took me to great tournaments,” Jarry had said about his grandfather, who reached a career-high ranking of number 14 in 1974, earlier this week.

“I had chances back in Geneva (earlier this season) and I think this time it went to my side. I’m extremely happy. I’ve been working for this for a long time and it really means a lot,” he added after the win.

“We’re a big team back home and I really appreciate everybody who’s been behind me for a long time.” — Reuters