Briton Andy Murray, 52nd in the world, won the Challenger tournament in Aix-en-Provence by beating American Tommy Paul (17th) 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the final to sign his first success in this level for nearly eighteen years.
The former world No.1, 35, now has three Challenger titles to his name, the equivalent of the 2nd world division, after his victories in Aptos (United States) and Binghamton (United States) won in July and August 2005.
The Scotsman, winner in his career of 46 ATP titles, including three Grand Slams, had not won a tournament since his coronation in Antwerp in October 2019.
Thanks to this success, only his fourth on clay in all tournament categories, he will return to the top 50 in the world on Monday and will be 42nd in the ATP rankings.