Doha: Spanish Roberto Bautista Agut overcame a mid-match scare to outclass Tomas Berdych 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the Qatar Open tennis tournament final Saturday to claim his ninth career title.
A day after stunning top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the season-opening event, Bautista Agut came through another three-setter for his first title in Doha.
The World No.24 saved five out of six break points and converted two of his own in a tight final to see off Berdych, who was seeking his first ATP title since 2016, in a little under two hours.
“It’s been a fantastic week for me,” Bautista Agut, who endured some nervy moments in the decider, said. “Today it wasn’t easy to manage the emotions I had on court.”
The 30-year-old will look to carry the momentum forward to the Auckland Classic next week in his final warm-up event before the Australian Open which begins in Melbourne January 14.
However, fit-again Berdych after a back injury, was pleased with his effort in his first tournament since the Queen’s Club championships in London last June. “Roberto was too good, so well done for the title today (Saturday), but I am happy for the week,” the World No.71 added.
Pliskova, Nishikori emerge champions
Brisbane: Former World No.1 Karolina Pliskova battled back from a set and a break down to beat Lesia Tsurenko 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the women’s singles and win the Brisbane International tennis tournament for the second time. In the men’s segment, Japanese Kei Nishikori defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to take his first ATP title in three years.