Monday, April 15, 2019

Garin wins first ATP Tour title in Houston

Garin wins first ATP Tour title in Houston
Garin wins first ATP Tour title in Houston

Christian Garin became the first Chilean to win an ATP Tour title in 10 years when he beat Casper Ruud 7-6(4) 4-6 6-3 at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston.

The turning point came at 2-2 in the final set, when Ruud was unable to capitalize on three break point chances. Garin broke in the next game by chasing down a drop shot and flicking a forehand winner.

Serving for the title at 5-3, the Chilean then hammered an ace to set up championship point. A heavy forehand on the next point decided the match.

The 22-year-old became the first Chilean to win an ATP Tour title since Fernando Gonzalez in Vina del Mar in 2009.

The victory was Garin's second over the Norwegian in a month. He also defeat Ruud in the Brasil Open semi-finals.

Both players dropped serve twice in the first eight games of the match.

In the tiebreak, Garin, ahead 4-3, rifled a backhand return winner for the mini-break and went on to grab the advantage.

Ruud applied more pressure in the second set, finding the range on his serve and forehand, and eventually got a backhand error from the Chilean on break point to lead 3-2 en route to the set.

"It was a really intense match today. I think what I did well was to keep playing my game throughout the match," said Garin. "Of course, now I want more, so I have to keep working hard and improving every day."

Despite the loss, Ruud can be pleased with reaching his first ATP Tour final.

"I felt I played a good match, but he was a bit better in the end and deserved the win," said Ruud. "It's still a good confidence [booster] for myself to show that I can play at this level."

Garin earned 250 ATP Rankings points and $100,600, while Ruud picked up 150 ATP Rankings points and $54,395.