We are off and running in the clay-court season.
Prior to this week’s Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, a trio of ATP 250 tournaments took place in Estoril, Houston, and Marrakech. Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe, and Roberto Carballes Baena lifted those respective trophies.
Estoril Open: Casper Ruud d. Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 7-6(3)
Ruud arrived in Estoril with a losing record for the season, but return to his favorite surface proved to be just what the doctor ordered. The top-seeded Norwegian did not lose serve a single time on Sunday, defeating Kecmanovic 6-2, 7-6(3) in one hour and 48 minutes.
“I feel great,” Ruud assured. “It’s my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess. To be here with the trophy this Sunday is very special. It’s been quite some months since I won my last title, so it’s very important.”
U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship: Frances Tiafoe d. Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(1), 7-6(6)
The weather in Houston was pretty much a disaster the entire week, such that the entire second round and quarterfinals were played on Saturday before the semis and final were held back-to-back on Sunday. It was Tiafoe who survived the marathon, ultimately beating Etcheverry 7-6(1), 7-6(6) in a competitive championship match that lasted one hour and 53 minutes. The American got broken for the first time when he failed to serve out the proceedings at 5-4 in the second set, but he quickly righted the ship to win another tiebreaker.
“I don’t know you that well, but I know you real well after today,” Tiafoe told Etcheverry during the trophy ceremony. “It was an absolute war and an unbelievable final. I hope you guys all enjoyed it, because that’s what it’s about.”
Grand Prix Hassan II: Roberto Carballes Baena d. Alexandre Muller 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-2
In an all-unseeded final in Marrakech, Carballes Baena outlasted Muller in three hours and one minute for the second ATP title of his career. The Spaniard lost the first set, faced two break points in the opening game of the second, and survived a deuce game on serve at 5-5 in the second before taking control.
“I am so tired, but I am very, very happy,” Carballes Baena commented. “It was a very, very tough match. I tried to fight (for) every point. I don’t know what to say. I am so happy.”
Tiafoe WDed from Monte-Carlo