An emotional Steve Johnson has ended his 12-month title drought with a marathon 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-4, win over Tennys Sandgren in the final of the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.
The sixth seed was pushed to his limits both mentally and physically due to some world class defence from his opponent on the big points. The world No.51 had 14 break point opportunities, but could only manage to convert two of them in a tightly contested match. In total he only managed to win just one more point than Sangren during their encounter with 99-98 in his favour.
“This court has a lot of special meaning to me.” An emotional Johnson said during the trophy ceremony.
“Congratulations Tennys to you, your coaches and your family. I couldn’t be happier with you having success this year (on the tour). You have been a good friend, somebody that has always been there for me, so thank-you very much.”
During the first set, four break points came and went for Johnson before he found himself being broken at 5-5. Despite the blip, the American managed to battle back with the help of some lacklustre play from Sandgren. Then in the tiebreaker, he managed to grab his first lead in the match. Capitalising from a double fault from his rival to move ahead 5-2 before sealing the 7-6 lead with the help of a forehand down the line.
Despite the change in momentum, Sandgren continued to frustrate his fellow countryman. His resilience paid off in set No.2 as he saved five break points in his first two service games before winning five consecutive games. Forcing the match into a decider.
“It was a heck of a match.” Said Sandgren. “I just left it all out there (on the court), we both did. One of us had to win and one of us had to lose.”
Despite Sandgren’s best efforts, Johnson managed to prevail at the very end. At one set apiece and 4-4, it appeared as if another tiebreaker would decide who will receive the trophy. That was until a costly falter from the Australian Open quarter-finalist. A backhand going long followed by a forehand error granted Johnson another break and the chance to serve for his third ATP title. It was a mission achieved on the first chance after a serve was returned out by Sangren. Prompting an emotional Johnson to burst into tears.
He’s done it!
An emotional triumph for @SJohnson_89 as he secures back to back titles in Houston 👏👏 #USClay pic.twitter.com/eduCIb1OyD
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 15 April 2018
The Houston tournament is one close to the heart of the two-time champion. Twelve months ago his father saw him defeat Thomaz Bellucci in the final. Sadly, that was the last match he watched his son play. A month later, Steve Johnson Sr passed away suddenly in his sleep.
Johnson, who is getting married next Saturday, is the first player to win back-to-back Houston titles since Andy Roddick back in 2002. He is also the first player to defeat five American players on route to the title since Jaime Yzaga back in 1991. The 28-year-old takes home $99,375 in prize money as well as 250 ranking points.
