Nicolas Mahut becomes the second qualifier to win an ATP tournament in 2013 as he clinches his first career title on Saturday in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Mahut knocks off Stanislas Wawrinka in straight sets during final-round action at the Wimbledon warmup event.
In his 14th year on the ATP Tour, Nicolas Mahut finally has his first title.
The veteran Frenchman upset Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the Topshelf Open on Saturday afternoon. Mahut, who had to qualify just to get into the main draw, held all 10 of his service games to prevail in one hour and 22 minutes.
One break with Mahut ahead 4-3 decided the opening set. The world No. 240 survived a tough hold at 3-3, broke for a 5-3 advantage, then closed things out with the set on his racket in the ninth game. Wawrinka was doomed by dismal 42 percent serving in the opener.
The 10th-ranked Swiss was not quite as competitive in the second, even though it ended with a 6-4 scoreline and again featured just one service break. Mahut put in only 44 percent of his first serves, but he won all 11 of those points and he dropped a total of five points in his last five service games.
Hug at the net:
“It’s amazing,” said the 31-year-old, who is just now rounding back into form after six months off due to a knee injury. “I cannot believe I won today. I didn’t know if I was going to play again when I had some bad times with my knee. All my team helped me a lot. We worked hard and here I am with the trophy. It’s a good story.
“Emotionally, the last game was difficult,” Mahut continued. “But I really served great. We played five points and I made four first serves, which helped a lot.”
“First of all I want to congratulate Nico and his team,” Wawrinka noted. “He has always been playing well on grass and he deserves this title. This year I go to Wimbledon with more practice and matches under my belt. Winning matches here gives me a lot of confidence.”
The No. 2 seed was bidding for his fifth title in his 13th career final. He wrapped up his effort with three aces and four double-faults before heading into a first-round showdown against Lleyton Hewitt on Monday at the all-England Club.
Match highlights:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvFgzV4Zi4I]
[polldaddy poll=7197754]
Leave a Reply