Albert Ramos-Vinolas has won his first ATP title after defeating Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-4, in the final of the Swedish Open.
Ramos-Vinolas has only defeated his compatriot once in their four previous meetings on the tour. Nevertheless, it was the world No.35 who dominated proceedings throughout the opening set due to Verdasco’s inconsistent play. Breaking three times, Ramos-Vinolas closed the 36-minute set out with the help of a 62% winning service percentage.
The nervous start to the match by Verdasco was surprising considering his shock win against Stan Wawrinka at last month’s Aegon Championships in London. Regardless of the vulnerability in Verdasco’s game, French Open quarter finalist Ramos-Vinolas remained composed throughout as he edged closer to his maiden ATP title.
To the relief of the Swedish crowd, the disparity in the form between the two Spaniards eroded at the start of the second set with Verdasco threatening to break for the first time in the match. Ramos-Vinolas fended off three break points during five games to nudge ahead 3-2. The resistance displayed by the Spaniard paid off. A below-par Verdasco service game, consisting of a double fault and a forehand shank, allowed the Spaniard to break for the fourth time in the match to serve for the match. Moving to a game away from the title, the nerves got the better of the 28-year-old as Verdasco broke back immediately to reignite his title hopes. Despite the minor blip, the third seed managed to clinch the straight sets victory after a speedy forehand shot prompted his opponent to return the ball out.
Cruising to his maiden ATP title, the world No.35 produced two aces, won 59% of his service points and converted 5/9 break points. The triumph has taken Ramos-Vinolas to a milestone that he once didn’t think would ever happen for him.
“I’m very happy. I can’t be happier because I have been waiting for four years since the last final,” the new Swedish Open champion said.
“Sometimes I thought that I would never have a chance to win a title, so I can’t be any more happier.”
Ramos-Vinolas’ win is one that will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of his opponent Verdasco. The 32-year-old fifth seed eased to the final without dropping a set. It is the 14th time in Verdasco’s career that he has fallen at the final stage in a ATP tournament.
“It was difficult, I didn’t play as well as the other day.” Verdasco said.
“Some days in tennis things don’t go your way and you have to accept it.”
Besides winning the trophy, Ramos-Vinolas will now enter the top-30 in the world rankings for the first time in his career.
Congratulations @albertramos88 on your 2016 #SwedishOpen title! pic.twitter.com/fmXzQs3Gu3
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) 17 July 2016
