Kunitsyn picks up maiden title

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:05

Kunitsyn, ranked 71st in the world, stunned the former world number one 7-6 (8/6) 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 in Moscow.

After taking a one-set lead, Kunitsyn looked poised to clinch the match in the second only for Safin to reel off five consecutive points in the tie-breaker to level the contest. But the 27-year-old held his nerve to claim the decider with a solitary break in the sixth game.

Afterwards, Kunitsyn admitted: “I don’t know how I was able to outplay Marat, but I guess it happens.

“I still don’t understand how I won.”

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.