Zverev wins first ATP title, Dzumhur triumphs in Antalya

Mischa Zverev captured his first career ATP title at 30 years old when he beat Lukas Lacko 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the Nature Valley International on Saturday afternoon.

“I always wanted to win at least [one] title,” the German commented. “For many years I didn’t believe in myself. I didn’t think I was going to do it, especially when I was ranked 1100. But thank God I have my family and my brother and the whole team, my wife who is always telling me, ‘no, you can achieve things; you can do big things. Just believe in yourself, work hard, and it’s going to pay off one day.’

“Luckily I have them and luckily I was able to listen to them, believe in myself, and just keep working and wait for it. Finally, I’m here. It’s incredible.”

Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZquPxQ3Lbmg

In Antalya, meanwhile, Damir Dzumhur denied Adrian Mannarino his first-ever title by surviving a roller-coaster 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 affair in the Turkish Airlines Open championship match.

“It feels great,” Dzumhur assured. “(This is my) third title, the first this year and my first-ever on grass. I didn’t expect this one, especially because it is the surface (on which) I play one or two tournaments each year. But it seems, from next year, I should play much more.”

“Damir played really well,” said Mannarino, who is now 0-5 lifetime in ATP finals. “We both played up and down, but at the end he was more consistent than me. He played really well in the big moments and he deserved to win.”

Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiOmMmilDJk

All four finalists will now head to Wimbledon, where Mannarino and Lacko will be in action on Monday. Lacko could meet Roger Federer in the second round, while Mannarino and Federer are on a collision course for the second Monday. Zverev and Dzumhur will get their fortnights started on Tuesday.

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