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Bastad (Sweden), July 27 (IANS/EFE)
France's Benoit Paire won his first ATP World Tour title by defeating Spain's Tommy Robredo 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 in the final of the Swedish Open here. The 26-year-old Paire, who is ranked World No. 62, needed one hour and 33 minutes on Swedish clay on Sunday to make it a memorable 2015 so far.
Paire became the first player to win titles on the ATP World Tour, ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Futures circuit in the same season since Steve Darcis in 2006.
Robredo, the champion in Bastad in 2006 and 2008, was unable to dent Paire's game in the match in the southern Swedish town. Paire saved two set points en route clinching the first set on a tie-break.
The Frenchman continued his fine play in the second set as well breaking Robredo in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead. Paire then held his nerve to win his first title and was delighted to have crossed the line after two final defeats earlier.
“It’s a perfect week,” said Paire. “The conditions today were not easy, but I’m really happy to win against Tommy. He’s a very good player. To play against him in the final and to beat him is a dream, so I’m very happy. It was a lot of pressure, but I think I played well. I hope it’s not the last [title] for me.”
Robredo, the 33-year-old veteran ranked 21st in the world, came up short in his attempt to win his 13th career singles title. The Spaniard, who has 255 victories on clay, also lost in three finals -- Umag, Shenzhen and Valencia -- in 2014.
