Rajeev Ram beat third-seeded Sam Querrey, 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-3, in the Hall of Fame Tennis championships Sunday for his first ATP title.Ram, a lucky loser after top-seeded Mardy Fish withdrew on Monday to replace Andy Roddick in the United States Davis Cup team, won the first all-American final on Newport’s grass courts in seven years.It was the first ATP final for Ram, the 181st ranked player entering the week, and the lowest ranked to win an event this year. “These days don’t come around very often unless you’re (Roger) Federer or (Rafael) Nadal. There’s definitely pressure,” Ram said.
“I tried to play tennis instead of thinking about what the moment was.”
Ram withdrew from his qualifier match on Monday, knowing he’d be placed in the draw when Fish pulled out.“Winning tournaments is not normal on the tour for 99 percent of us,” he said.
Ram earned $79,000 for his singles title while Querrey collected $41,500.
Ram went on to win the doubles title as he partnered Jordan Kerr to defeat Michael Kohlman and Rogier Wassen 6-7(6), 7-6(7), 10-6.(Via AP; Images via Yahoo! Sports)
Hungarian Agnes Szavay captured her home tournament at the Budapest Grand Prix on Sunday, beating Patty Schnyder 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the final.It was Szavay’s third WTA Tour singles title.“In the first set, I was too excited and that gave the set to the more experienced Patty,” Szavay said.
“I’m glad I managed to turn the score around and please the home crowd.”
(Via AP)
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez beat top-seeded and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-4 Saturday to win the Swedish Open for her second WTA Tour title.
The unseeded Spaniard won her first title in Bogota in February.“This was the most enjoyable tournament for me so far this season,” Martinez Sanchez said.
“I felt right at home here and I hope to come back next year. I played very well today and I’m happy I played my own game.”
“I’m sorry I spoiled your (birthday) celebrations, but I promise I will buy you something instead,” Martinez Sanchez told Wozniacki at the post-match news conference.
Wozniacki, who turned 19 Saturday, is ranked ninth in the world and has won five WTA titles.“Maria played better than me. She played smart and it was difficult to get a rhythm with her stop volleys,” Wozniacki said.
“But I’m still happy to have reached the final.”
In the doubles final, Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta denied Martinez Sanchez a double, who partnered with Nuria Llagostera Vives with a 6-2, 0-6, 10-5 victory.
The men’s Swedish Open starts Monday.
(Via AP; Images via Swedish Open Women's Flickr photostream)
Rajeev Ram beat third-seeded Sam Querrey, 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-3, in the Hall of Fame Tennis championships Sunday for his first ATP title.
Ram earned $79,000 for his singles title while Querrey collected $41,500.
