TENNIS – Roger Federer clinched the 85th title of his legendary career with a 6-3 7-6 (13-11) after 1 hour and 36 minutes over clay specialist Pablo Cuevas from Uruguay at the inaugural edition of the Istanbul TEB Paribas Istanbul Open at the Koza Arena in Istanbul. Diego Sampaolo
Federer took 33 minutes to clinch the first set where he capitalized on one of his three break points in his first head-to-head match against World Number 23 Cuevas. He got another break in the seventh game of the second set for 4-3 but Cuevas broke straight back to draw level to 4-4 after a double fault made by Federer. Federer brought up three break point chances but Cuevas managed to save them and held his serve at 5-4.
The second set came down to the tie-break where Federer had to fend off three set points. Cuevas saved four match points before Federer earned a fifth match point with a backhand volley. He clinched the title on his fifth opportunity when Cuevas sent his backhand into the net after a nerve-wrecking end to the match.
The Swiss Maestro lifted his third title this year after Brisbane (where he earned his milestone 1000th career match win) and Dubai (beating Novak Djokovic in the final). Turkey has become the 19th different country where Federer won at least one ATP title.
Federer has won his first title on clay since Madrid 2012. He will now travel to Madrid where he will play either Nick Kyrgyos or a qualifier in his first match in the 2nd round.
TENNIS – Fifth seed Richard Gasquet beat Nick Kyrgios 6-3 6-2 to win his 12th career title and his second of the year at the Estoris ATP 250 final.
The Frenchman broke serve three times took a re-match against Kyrgios who beat him last year in the Wimbledon second round after saving nine match points.
Gasquet, who won his second title of the year after Montpellier last February, broke serve three times. Kirgyos, who was playing his first career title, didi not convert on his three break point chances.
Gasquet, who made his come-back after being sidelined by a back injury since Indian Wells, has become the most successful player equalling his compatriot Giles Simon with twelve titles.
