Dominic Thiem captured the seventh ATP title of his career and his first on grass by overcoming Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4 at the Mercedes Cup on Monday. Rain in Stuttgart pushed the final back from Sunday, interrupting it with Kohlschreiber leading 3-2 in the first-set tiebreaker. The German eventually finished off the opener, but Thiem clawed back to prevail in two hours and 11 minutes.
Whereas Thiem triumphed on his least favorite surface, Nicolas Mahut was up to his old tricks on the grass courts of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Three of Mahut’s four career titles have now come at the Ricoh Open, which he won by beating Gilles Muller 6-4, 6-4 on Monday. That contest also got delayed by rain, as play was cancelled on Sunday with Mahut leading by a set.
Thiem-Kohlschreiber highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKw6igCHQvY
Thiem: “It feels absolutely unreal because I came here without any expectations basically, and I’m pretty sure that it’s the most special title for me. I didn’t play that well on grass over the past two years, and this tournament was so strong…. I really cannot believe it.”
Kohlschreiber: “It’s sad to lose the final, but I think it was a very good final. It was a tough situation because of the rain, but overall it was a great finish for the tournament and for Dominic. I’m happy with the performance. The loss is a little bit annoying, but I am happy with the week.”
Mahut-Muller highlights:
Mahut: “Playing a final is always special, but this was different. Getting the trophy is the most important thing. Winning the tournament as the world No. 1 in doubles is really special. I started the match really well and tried to relax. I know winning a title doesn’t happen every week. Yesterday, I had to change my flights (from ‘s-Hertongenbosch to London). I will now go to the airport for the earliest flight to London. I have to be ready to play Andy Murray tomorrow.”
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