Federer Captures Istanbul Open Crown; Murray Wins Munich Title

May 4, 2015 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

In his first time playing in the country of Turkey, world number two Roger Federer captured the Istanbul Open trophy, beating third-seeded Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas 6-3, 7-6(11) for his 85th career ATP World Tour title.

Federer notched the lone break point of the opening set and went on to take it 6-3. He looked to be on his way to another easy set in the second, breaking in the seventh game, only to see Cuevas break back to even the set at 4-4.

The two would exchange holds to force the set into a tiebreaker. The Swiss proceeded to save three set points and finally finished Cuevas off on his fifth match point, to take the match in straight sets.

“It’s been a tough week; four tough matches. I thought the final was my best one. I’m very happy,” said Federer. “I’m very proud to be the first champion here at the first time tournament here in Istanbul. In Turkey, I’ve had a wonderful week.”

Turkey is now the 19th country in which Federer has won a title as he improves to 85-43 in title matches overall.

Cuevas was hoping to win his second title of the season, and despite the loss, was pleased with his week.

“It’s difficult to face Roger, not only because of his game but also to stay focused on the game and not get distracted,” said Cuevas. “It was a very good experience for me, and I think it will help me in the future.”

If you head about 1,300 miles to the northwest from Istanbul, Andy Murray was battling Philipp Kohlschreiber in the BMW Open final in Munich, Germany.

The world number three Brit survived a rain delay, that forced Sunday’s final to be finished Monday, and defeated the home favorite Kohlschreiber 7-6(4), 5-7, 7-6(4) to win the first clay-court title of his career.

In the third-set tiebreaker, Murray rattled off four straight points after falling behind 2-3 to capture the title.

“It’s incredible. Philipp was very tough to beat,” said Murray. “I was lucky on a couple of passing shots late in the match.”

Federer, the top-seed, and Murray, the second-seed, will both be in action this week at the Mutua Madrid Open.

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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