Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open—Newport, RI, U.S.A.
No. 3 seed Steve Johnson picked up his fourth career ATP World Tour title on Sunday in Newport, R.I., dismissing Ramkumar Ramanathan 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. The hard-fought contest featured great grass-court play throughout its two hour and 57 minute duration. After winning the first set, Johnson saw an increase in the level from his Indian opponent, before he was able to breakout to a 3-0 lead in the final set and later close out the match.
Using his power serve and forehand combination, Johnson withstood 10 aces from his opponent, won 83 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on three of five occasions. The American had previously won titles in Houston (twice) and Nottingham (2016).
Ramanathan, who was appearing in his first-career final, is currently ranked No. 161 in the world and entered the event with a 2-3 record on the season. His successful week saw him defeat the likes of Vasek Pospisil, Denis Kudla and Tim Smyczek.
*****
Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag—Umag, Croatia
No. 3 seed Marco Cecchinato won his second ATP World Tour Title of the season on Sunday in Umag, Croatia, dispatching Guido Pella 6-2, 7-6(4). Continuing his great form from reaching the semifinals of the French Open and claiming the title Budapest, Hungry earlier this year, Cecchinato struck six aces during the one hour and 38 minute affair.
Improving to ranking to No. 22 in the world, Cecchinato broke serve on three occasions and only lost his serve once.
Pella, who was in search of his first career final, fell to 0-3 in championship matches.
*****
SkiStar Swedish Open—Bastad, Sweden
No. 3 seed Fabio Fognini won his seventh career title in Bastad, Sweden on Sunday, defeating former top 10 player Richard Gasquet 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. In a match that lasted one hour and 46 minutes, Fognini rebounded after losing the second set to cruise through the final set. Using his well-timed ground-strokes to great effect, Fognini struck five aces, won 72 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on five of 11 occasions.
Tying his head-to-head with Gasquet at two wins apiece, Fognini continued his stellar play on clay, which has seen him win seven of 13 finals on the surface.
The 31-year-old will next see action at in Gstaad, Switzerland, where he is the top seed.
Gasquet, who was aiming to win his 16th career title, recently captured the crown in s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands prior to Wimbledon.
