Monfils goes back-to-back, Ruud and Edmund also win titles

Gael Monfils had never won two titles in a single year. He just won two in the span of two weeks.

Monfils, the recent champion in Montpellier, triumphed at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday afternoon. The Frenchman successfully defended a title for the first time in his career after beating four-time ATP runner-up Auger-Aliassime in one hour and 26 minutes.

“It’s an amazing feeling–the first time for me to back it up, year after year, week after week,” said Monfils. “It is a different feeling I have never experienced in my career, so I feel grateful.”

While it was the 10th title for Monfils, Casper Ruud lifted an ATP trophy for the first time in his career. The 21-year-old also became the first man from Norway to win a title after defeating lucky loser Pedro Sousa 6-1, 6-4 in one hour and 11 minutes. Not even Christian Ruud, Casper’s father and coach, managed to win a title during his playing days.

“I feel a great sensation now,” the world No. 45 assured. “It is what all players look for and dream. I am very happy with my career, although I know that I am still young. Buenos Aires will always be a special place for me; this is my first title.”

“It’s the best week of my life–my first final and maybe the last one,” Sousa joked. “I came to play qualies about two weeks ago and I am sitting here on Sunday. I cannot be more happy. Ruud played very firm and is the deserved champion.”

At the New York Open, Kyle Edmund captured his second ATP title with a 7-5, 6-1 defeat of Andreas Seppi. Edmund

”There’s a lot hard work throughout the year, a lot of ups and downs that you don’t see behind the scenes,” the Brit noted. To win this title means a lot to me.”

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