World No.8 Dominic Thiem has claimed his third ATP title of the season after defeating Slovakia’s Martin Klizan 6-3, 6-1, in the final of the St Petersburg Open.
Despite getting less than 50% of his first serves in, the top seed managed to dominate proceedings throughout the 67-minute encounter. Breaking Klizan three consecutive times during the final, as well as a fourth time during the closing stages of the second set. The Austrian was the more consistent out of the two on court as he hit 13 winners to 12 unforced errors. In contrast, his Slovakian opponent hit the same amount of winners, but a costly 27 errors.
“It means a lot to me. I was serving for my first indoor title, which was really amazing. That was why I got a little bit tight towards the end, but I’m really happy that I’ve won this game (match).” Thiem said during his on-court interview.
After falling on three previous occasions, the win is Thiem’s first triumph over Klizan on the ATP Tour. He has now won 48 matches this year, which is the highest number on the men’s circuit. As a result of his St Petersburg triumph, Thiem is currently placed seventh on the ATP Race to London with 3525 points. Only the top eight players will qualify for the end-of-season finale.
ATP Race after this week
1. Nadal
2. Djokovic
3. Del Potro
4. Federer
5. Zverev
—-
6. Cilic, 3815
7. Thiem, 3525
8. Anderson, 34509. Isner, 2930
10. Nishikori, 2565— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 23, 2018
The performance of the Austrian, has drawn praise from Klizan. The world No.65 was bidding to become the first player to have won his first seven title matches since the ATP World Tour began in 1990. Frustrated by the outcome, Klizan has tipped his rival to top the ATP rankings in the near future.
“I wish you all the best on your way to becoming world No.1 because you are going to be very soon.” Klizan said to Thiem during the trophy ceremony.
Thiem is the sixth man to win three or more titles in 2018. Asked if he would be returning to Russia next year to defend his title, he admitted that he was unsure.
“One thing for sure is that I will come back here, but I am not sure if it will be next year or not.” He explained.
“There are many tournaments going on this week (of the ATP calendar) and it is not easy to decide.”
Simon delights home fans in Metz
At the Moselle Open in Metz, Gilles Simon has become the second player in history to have won the tournament for a third time. Following in the footsteps of compatriot Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The 33-year-old Frenchman outlasted German underdog Matthias Bachinger 7-6(2), 6-1. Bachinger knocked out Kei Nishikori in the semifinals of the tournament.
“Every title is special, I say to myself every time it may be the last, I’m happy to align (win) one more.” Simon reflected during his press conference.
3ème victoire de @GillesSimon84 au @MoselleOpen ! Une très belle édition qui se termine… Merci aux organisateurs ! Un événement qui @inspire_metz pic.twitter.com/pqBefE27FF
— Eurométropole de Metz (@EuroMetroMetz) September 23, 2018
The comprehensive performance saw Simon hit twice as many winners to unforced errors (34-17) as well as producing 10 aces. Winning his 14th ATP title and his second in 2018. Simon also triumphed at the Tata Open Maharashtra in Pune, India earlier this year.
As a result of his third triumph in Metz, Simon will return back into the world’s top 30 at 29 when the rankings are updated on Monday. It will be his highest position since March 2017. Simon has been ranked as high as sixth in the world.
