Tursunov wins Mumbai Open
Afp, Mumbai
Russia's Davis Cup hero Dmitry Tursunov completed a remarkable fortnight by winning his maiden ATP title at the inaugural Mumbai Open here on Monday. Tursunov, ranked 22 in the world, outlasted world number 13 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 in a rain-hit final at the Cricket Club of India courts here. Last week, the 23-year-old had led Russia to a brilliant Davis Cup win over the United States in Moscow by beating the fancied Andy Roddick 17-15 in the fifth set of the deciding fourth rubber. The Mumbai final, that was put off on Sunday due to heavy rain, was twice interrupted by rain, the first time at 1-1 in the second set and then again at 5-5 in the third set. When play resumed the second time, Tursunov broke Berdych to lead 6-5 but the third-seeded Czech broke back immediately to force the match into the tie-breaker. Tursunov avenged his defeat at Berdych's hands in the third round of the US Open last month and took away 52,000 dollars with his maiden career title. Berdych, still looking for his first title this year after five appearances in the final, had won 15 of his last 19 matches but failed to deliver when it mattered most. "I had my chances, but Dmitry played the crucial points better," said the 21-year-old. "But I reached the final and I am happy." Tursunov, seeded fourth here, said he was "excited" about winning his first title but unhappy at serving 11 double faults in the final. "I am excited but I could have served and played better," said the Russian. "Its been non-stop tennis for me and I am tired." Meanwhile, the makeshift doubles pair of Mario Ancic of Croatia and India's Mahesh Bhupathi won their second consecutive doubles title. Ancic and Bhupathi, who won the China Open two weeks ago, beat the Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Mustafa Ghouse 6-4, 6-7, 10-8 in the final.
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