Feliciano Lopez outlasts Gilles Simon to grab the title – AEGON International 2013
Spanish challenger, Feliciano Lopez, stunned the second seed, Gilles Simon, in a three-set thriller at the AEGON International 2013 on Saturday. He summed up a 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-0 victory against the French star to capture the title at this ATP World Tour 250 series event taking place in Eastbourne, United Kingdom.
The Spanish veteran brought his experience into handy and outclassed Simon in their second encounter. The players last battled each other at the ABN AMRO in Rotterdam five years ago and after bagging this match, he avenged his defeat.
The former world number 15, Lopez, was quoted in a courtside interview after earning the glory, "I think grass is my best surface, and to have at least one title on grass is very nice feeling. This match was really special, because it's great to be in the finals and it's an opportunity to win another ATP event. But playing the same guy in two days, it's also important to have some feedback, even though we know each other very well, because almost every week we see each other."
Lopez made a slow start and gifted away his serve in the fifth game to trail at 2-3. However, he quickly recovered in the very next game and stayed focused. The Spaniard dragged the set to a tie-breaker where he cruised to a 5-1 lead and clicked the opener with a 7-6(2) win.
The world number 17, Simon, re-focused his strategy in the following set. He smoothly slid his entire serves but failed to cash in any break opportunity. The set went to another tie-breaker where the French prevailed, subsequently clinching the equaliser with a 7-6(5) score line.
The left-handed Spaniard re-gained his strength in the deciding set. He went on a six-game killing spree before pulling out the decider with a bagel.
Both challengers were playing this final battle in tough windy conditions. Lopez reflected, “The wind was so strange. It was coming from everywhere. Normally it's one side to another. Today was so strange. So we made the best we can, to be honest.”
Lopez is eyeing to carry his rhythm at the Wimbledon Championships, third of the four Grand Slam events taking place in London.
The French seed on the other hand was bidding for his 11th ATP World Tour title. He is currently on 4-10 win-loss records in the final. Simon was eyeing for his first title on grass at this event.
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