RICKY DIMON REPORTS IN ON ROGER FEDERER BEATING CUEVAS TO WIN THE INAUGURAL ISTANBUL TITLE

Written by: Staff on 3rd May 2015

RICKY DIMON REPORTS IN ON ROGER FEDERER BEATING CUEVAS TO WIN THE INAUGURAL ISTANBUL TITLE

epa04731672 Roger Federer of Switzerland holds the trophy after winning against Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay the final match of the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open tennis tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, 03 May 2015. EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU |

Fans at the inaugural TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open could not have any complaints about year one of the tournament and they will undoubtedly be clamoring for more of the same in 2015. That’s because not only did top seed and crowd favorite Roger Federer last the whole week after some early scares, but he also captured the title. Federer beat Pablo Cuevas 6-3, 7-6(11) in the final on Sunday afternoon.

Following consecutive three-setters against Daniel Gimeno-Traver and Diego Schwartzman, the 33-year-old Swiss seemed to be on his way to a much more routine win over Cuevas with a set in hand and a break for 4-3 in the second. But Cuevas broke right back and eventually forced a tiereaker.

A tense ‘breaker saw the underdog Uruguayan get a look at three set points while saving four match points. Federer finally converted his fifth opportunity at 12-11 when he forced Cuevas into a forehand error.

Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay returns the ball to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the final match at the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open tennis tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, 03 May 2015. EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU

“It’s been a tough week; four tough matches,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion reflected. “I thought the final was my best one. I’m very happy. I’m very proud to be the first champion here at the first-time tournament here in Istanbul. In Turkey, I’ve had a wonderful week. On and off the court, I was able to visit the city a little bit, meet a lot of people, enjoy the crowd support and experience Turkey.

“It’s been crazy, in a good way, and I hope I can do it again one day. Right now, I’m just happy I was able to win the tournament. It’s always the best feeling for an athlete to be the champion at the end of a long tough week.”

“It’s difficult to face Roger, not only because of his game but also to stay focused on the game and not get distracted,” said Cuevas. “It was a very good experience for me, and I think it will help me in the future.”

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay during the final match at the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open tennis tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, 03 May 2015. EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU

As for the immediate future, both men will move on to the Madrid Masters next week. Federer is the No. 1 seed and could kick off his campaign against Estoril runner-up Nick Kyrgios. Cuevas is scheduled for a first-round meeting with Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Topics: Atp World Tour, Pablo Cuevas, Roger Federer, TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open, Tennis

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10sBalls_com says:

May 3, 2015 at 7:20 pm

-@Dimonator REPORTS IN ON @rogerfederer BEATING @PabloCuevas22 TO WIN THE INAUGURAL @istanbulopen TITLE http://t.co/benB73daaK #IstanbulOpen