Monday, April 15, 2019

Paire beats Andujar for Marrakesh title

Paire beats Andujar for Marrakesh title
Paire beats Andujar for Marrakesh title

Benoit Paire claimed a second career ATP singles title when he breezed past Pablo Andujar 6-2 6-3 to lift the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakesh.

Paire broke Andujar's serve twice in the first set and then claimed the sixth game of the second to coast to victory and add to his 2015 Swedish Open title.

Andujar was hoping for a record fourth victory at the event after lifting the trophy in 2011, 2012 and 2018, but managed just a single break point in the contest, which he failed to convert, and slipped to a fourth successive defeat to the Frenchman.

"This is the second title of my career so I’m extremely happy tonight," said Paire. "The first round and the semi-final against Jo were very difficult. I’m happy that I was able to get through. This is very important for my confidence and the match against Jo helped me a lot in that aspect. I hope that I can keep it up for the rest of the season. My goal is to move up in the [ATP Rankings] and continue playing well."

"Pablo beat me two weeks ago so I knew that I needed to play very well to win. I’m very happy with my whole week in Marrakech. I like this country and this city is unbelievable. I had already reached the semis here and was hoping to do better." He added.

"I’m very happy with my week," said Andujar. "Benoit deserved to win today, as he was the better player. I played well during the last few weeks and I hope to continue like that.

"My career would be different without Morocco. I always play so well here and it feels like a second home. I really like the conditions here and I get a lot of support from the crowd."

Paire takes home €87,745 in prize money and 250 ATP Rankings points while Andujar earned €47,245 and 150 ATP Rankings points.