Juan Monaco topples Tommy Haas to grab the title – German Tennis Championships 2012
Argentina’s Juan Monaco captured his third tour level title of the season by beating the home favourite, Tommy Haas of Germany, in straight sets 7-5, 6-4 in the Bet-at-home Open final on Sunday.
This event is also called the German Tennis Championships, being held on the clay courts of Rothenbaum in Hamburg.
With the first ATP World Tour 500 win of his career, Monaco will also break into the Top-10 rankings. He will join his countryman, Juan Martin Del Potro, in the elite group of players.
Backed by his home crowd, Haas made a splendid start in the final, as he stung a break in the fourth game and consolidated on it to gain a 4-1 lead. However, Monaco made a fine comeback later on, capturing six of the following
seven to seal it 7-5.
The start of the second set was a bit similar to the opener, as Haas grabbed the initial breakthrough to move ahead 2-0. Though, Monaco also replied in the same manner, striking back immediately and levelling the proceedings at
2-2. Haas and Monaco traded a blow in the subsequent four games to take it to 4-4. The Argentinean managed to clinch decisive break in the ninth and made the most of it to win 6-4.
Monaco’s performance on serve was not that brilliant, as he hit a single ace and committed two double faults. The Argentinean maintained a first serve percentage of 80, managing to convert just 38 of the 60 of them into points.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old was the better player on key points, as he saved five of the eight break threats he came across and utilised five of the nine opportunities he created.
During the post match press conference, a jubilant Monaco said, "It's amazing [to break the Top 10], it's a dream come true. I will always remember this great week because it's very important for me and my team. It was a big goal
we had pre-season when we were practising very hard."
Talking about his game, the Argentinean added, "I can't complain about the way I played today. I was 4-1 down in the first set, but I never gave up. I was fighting every point, very focussed and very motivated to win this tournament.
I think it was very important to win the first set. In the last two games of the match I think I played very well."
After their fifth meeting, Monaco improved his head to head record to 4-1 against Haas.
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