Title joy for Dzumhur & Gojowczyk
Originally published on 24/09/17 00:00
The hard-working 25-year-old is the first Bosnian to bag an ATP title and he will climb to a career-high ranking of No.40 on Monday.
“I was very nervous today, even though it was my second final,” admitted Dzumhur. "I was very nervous at the start and I couldn't find my best rhythm or find my best game. But the experience of playing one final already helped me a lot and in the end I won. It was the best day of my life."
There was also maiden title success at the Moselle Open in Metz.
Qualifier Peter Gojowczyk, ranked No.95 in the world, capped a dream week by becoming an unlikely champion in the French city. The overjoyed 28-year-old surprised home favourite Benoit Paire 6-5 6-2 in a one-sided final.
Afterwards, the runner-up said: "He didn't miss many shots and it was tough for me but I'm happy with my week and I'm happy for him because he's a good guy. If I play like I did this week, I think I can do something good. There are a lot of positives.”
The inaugural Laver Cup in Prague reached a thrilling climax.
Europe resisted a spirited fight back from the Rest of the World as they clinched a 15-9 victory in front of a capacity crowd.
Team World, urged on by John McEnroe, made a rip-roaring start as Jack Sock and John Isner defeated Tomas Berdych and Marin Cilic 7-6(5) 7-6(6) to earn their side a vital three points in the doubles.
Alexander Zverev steadied the ship for the European side with a trouble-free 6-4 6-4 triumph over a lacklustre Sam Querrey however Isner produced arguably the best performance of his career to stun Rafael Nadal 7-5 7-6(1) and take the tie the distance.
Victory for Roger Federer over Nick Kyrgios would secure victory for his team but he struggled to stay with his youthful opponent in the early stages. The 19-time major winner – roared on by a vociferous crowd – managed to turn the contest around and he eventually clinched victory in a nerve-shredding champions’ tiebreak.
“It’s been an amazing fun week,” beamed Federer afterwards. “I’m so proud it worked as well as it did [the event] and the crowd was amazing. We are all so happy but only time will tell how big the Laver Cup will become. The first one is officially over, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the trophy.
“They made us work so incredibly hard [Team World]. I can only congratulate them. It could have maybe gone to the final doubles and they have had the best doubles teams this week so it would have been extremely tough.
“They had the better chants and the fun moves, but at the end, Team Europe got it done.”
Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here
