France’s Lucas Pouille has won his second ATP title after easing his way past Great Britain’s Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-1, in the final of the Hungarian Open.
The world No.14 dominated the proceedings from its onset against an inexperienced Bedene. Sunday’s clash in Budapest was Pouillie’s fourth appearance in a ATP tour final compared to his rival’s second. The 64-minute encounter saw the Frenchman win 85% of his first service points, firing five aces past Bedene.
“I feel very happy with the way I started the clay season. To win here gives me a lot of confidence for the future. It’s been a great week and it was nice to see the French supporters in the crowd,” said Pouille. “My goal for the next few tournaments is to be at 200 per cent of my capacity, so I will do everything I can to be ready.”
Pouillie’s run to the title in Hungary comes a week after he reached the semi-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time in his career. Now boasting a win-loss record this season at 18-8, the 23-year-old is aiming to capitalize on his form and qualify for the year-end finals for the first time in his career.
“That’s what I’m working for. That’s one of my goals to be in London at the end of the season.” Pouille said after his match. “First, I have to play well in Madrid, Rome and the French Open. If I keep like this and play with the same mentality. Then maybe there’s a chance. “
Only the eight highest ranked players will qualifying for the year-end tournament in London. Unlike the Emirates rankings, the race is based solely on points earned by players throughout this season. Pouille currently lies 12th in the race with 1025 points.
Bedene disappointed with loss
Sunday’s encounter has ended Bedene’s 16-match winning streak on the tour. This month the British player has already won back-to-back Challenger titles in France and Italy. Shortly after his defeat, Bedene revealed that he was bothered by a finger injury throughout the match.
“I’m a little disappointed because I had problems with my finger and felt uncomfortable hitting my shots. I wasn’t close to the level I should be at to beat Lucas, but he was playing really well. It was like everything went in for him,” he told atpworldtour.com. “If I’m going to lose to anyone, it should be against someone who is a good player and a good person, which Lucas is.”
The British No.4 reached the main draw in Budapest after coming through two rounds of qualifying. In the main draw he stunned second seed Ivo Karlovic on route to the final. As a result of his recent run, Bedene will rise 10 places to 58th in the world rankings.
