2010 AEGON Masters Tennis; Goran Ivanisevic beats Todd Martin in title battle
The 39-year-old Goran Ivanisevic captured his maiden AEGON Masters Tennis crown on Sunday after getting the better of former grass court Grand Slam runner-up Todd Martin at the Royal Albert Hall in two sets. The final match score was 6-2, 6-4.
The Monte Carlo resident made his way into the finals after thrashing out Pat Rafter in three sets in the semi final match on Saturday. The score line was 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 10-8.
Goran and Pat rolled back to years, volleying and serving acrobatically to the delight of the spectators in London. Pat even made one diving volley which brought his foe to his knees in shock. When Pat won the opening set, the Australian looked more convincing
of the two, however, Goran kept serving and after improving his game at last tied the scores by taking the second set. In the final set Champions' Tie-Break, Goran secured a lead of 9-6 and eventually held on to emerge victorious in the end.
"I saw Pat eating a banana sandwich before the match. There is no way I am losing to a guy who eats banana sandwiches,” Goran joked after his semi final victory on Saturday.
Goran came into the title battle on Sunday after losing his serve only once throughout the week and once again did well to overwhelm his foe with his quick serves all around the court.
The 2001 grass court Grand Slam winner looked extremely confident right from the start of the final match and thus he totally dominated the opening set, smashing his serves as hard and accurately as ever and returning in much the similar manner.
Todd was able to mount a challenge early in the decisive set; however the Croatian was determined to hold his nerve. With Todd serving to remain in the battle at 4-5, Goran picked up his chance, hitting a couple of backhand returns down the line to clinch
win in the end.
“I am just so happy I finally won this tournament. The first set today was probably the best set I played this week. The rhythm on my serve was great, I returned well from the back and I also felt good physically. I was surprised how well I was moving today
because after yesterday's match against Pat everything hurt. That was a great match against Pat and I have really enjoyed my whole week,” said Goran after winning his maiden title on Sunday.
The final win over Todd Martin completed a perfect day for Groan as his darling British football side West Bromwich Albion also posted victory over Newcastle at the Hawthorns later in the day.
While commenting on his day after the title battle, Goran said that it can’t get any better as his favourite team West Brom also won the match.
The AEGON Masters Tennis crown is Goran’s third title of the season, suggesting that 2010 has been his most impressive year to date on the ATP Champions Tour. The left hander, who retired from the ATP tour back in 2004, while talking about his stellar season
on the tour after six years on from his debut appearance in Eindhoven back in 2004, said that he enjoys a great deal playing on this tour. It is still competitive and great fun as people also love it.
When asked about his current form, Goran added that he is in excellent shape at the moment and is looking forward to continue his momentum in 2011 as well.
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