Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship—Houston, TX, U.S.A.
American favourite Frances Tiafoe captured the second title of his career on Sunday in Houston, Texas, defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(1), 7-6(6).
Needing one hour and 53 minutes to seal his title, Tiafoe struck six aces, won 67 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on one occasion.
Needing to win four matches in two because of rain earlier in the week, Tiafoe will now set his sights on travelling to Monte Carlo to take part in the year’s first Masters 1000 tournament on clay.
Martin Etcheverry, who was taking part in his second career final, defeated former winner Cristian Garin earlier in the week.
*****
Millennium Estoril Open—Estoril, Portugal
Top seed Casper Ruud won a match needed title on the ATP Tour on Sunday, defeating Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 7-6(3) to win the Estoril Open.
Using his potent forehand to great effect, Ruud broke serve on two occasions and improved to 1-2 against Kecmanovic in lifetime meetings.
Ruud, who made the finals of the French Open and US Open last year, has a multitude of points to defend for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Kecmanovic, who is known as one of the fittest and most consistent players in the world, was aiming to win his second career title in four finals.
*****
Grand Prix Hassan II—Marrakech, Morocco
Roberto Carballes Baena captured his second-career ATP Tour title on Sunday in Marrakech, Morocco, dismissing Alexandre Muller 4-6, 7-6(3) 6-2.
Hitting two aces and winning 75 percent of his first serve points, Carballes Baena broke his French opponent on three occasions.
Carballes Baena will be ranked No. 51 in the world on Monday.
Entering the event with a ranking of No. 126 and 1-2 record on the season, Muller also dismissed Top seed Lorenzo Musetti and Richard Gasquet earlier in the event.
Muller will be ranked No. 96 on Monday as a result of reaching the final.
