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Bernard Tomic Stops Eight‑Year Challenger Title Drought With Lincoln Win

The title gives his ranking a sudden lift and creates momentum that could change his plan to retire in 2026.

Overview

  • Tomic beat Mark Lajal 4-6, 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-3) in the Lincoln Challenger final, a match he completed on Sunday after saving a championship point in the third set.
  • He did not face a service break in the match, hit roughly 71–72% first serves, recorded nine aces, and won two tiebreaks to complete a 2 hour 41 minute victory.
  • The title is his first Challenger trophy since 2018 and is being reported to have lifted his ATP ranking by about 37 places.
  • Tomic said the win has forced him to rethink a recent decision to make 2026 his final year and he signaled he may continue playing.
  • Both finalists are entered for next week’s Challenger in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Tomic’s result could help fuel a late push to re-enter bigger tournaments and Grand Slam qualifying draws.