SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – It took nearly two years, but 26-year-old Croatian Borna Gojo is once again the ATP Challengers singles champion.

Gojo defeated American Colton Smith, Arizona Wildcat, in straight sets to win the inaugural MarketBeat Open title.

“A tough one there at 4-3 in the second. I broke my back and tried to take my time. Go point by point, don’t think too much ahead and focus on each point,” said Gojo.

While Gojo took the first set 6-1, Smith battled back and made the second set a close one. Gojo said it’s been a wild ride and being in the final in Italy in 2022, as well as playing against some of the world’s best in Grand Slams, has helped prepare him for the moment.

“I expected him to be a little more nervous than me. I’m happy that I was able to focus very well at the beginning and do the first set quickly. Then when it’s settled, then take a battle,” Gojo said.

But this year as a whole has been a wild ride for Gojo. After playing the first two weeks of January, he was ruled out for seven months with a back injury. Formerly ranked 72nd in the world, he had to recover physically and mentally to return to play.

“Being at the top of your career and then just going back down to zero. Mentally, it wasn’t easy. I struggled, but I always stayed positive. I went to all the doctors in the world to find a solution and I’m glad I’m fine now,” said Gojo.

Being a part of Sioux Falls history — the singles winner of the city’s first professional tennis tournament — is something Gojo says he’ll hold on to. Not only is it the city where he got his first win since the injury, but he says he hopes it can inspire even one kid in the audience who is looking to try tennis.

“This is always going to be a special place and I really hope that a kid saw us play and they’re excited to pick up a racquet tomorrow and start playing,” Gojo said.

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