PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER CAPTURES KITZBUHEL CROWN – TENNIS NEWS

Written by: Staff on 9th August 2015

PHILIPP KOHLSCHREIBER CAPTURES KITZBUHEL CROWN - TENNIS NEWS

Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany poses with the trophy during the award ceremony after winning against Paul-Henri Mathieu of France in the final match for the Generali Open tennis tournament in Kitzbuehel, Austria, 08 August 2015. EPA/HELMUT FOHRINGER |

Local resident Philipp Kohlschreiber, who cycled from his house to the Kitzbühel Tennis Club each day this week, completed a dream week Saturday by lifting his sixth ATP World Tour title.

Kohlschreiber, the runner-up in 2012 (l. to Haase), became the first German champion in the Open Era at the Generali Open after overcoming qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the final, which lasted one hour and 42 minutes.

“I got off to a bad start, but managed to come back into the match and play well during the big points,” said Kohlschreiber. “I’m very happy with the result. I want to enjoy this win. I’m very happy that I won the tournament, it doesn’t happen too often in a career. I spend a lot of time here in Kitzbühel, I know the people and everybody is very friendly. I feel very well physically and have been working a lot with my team.”

Kohlschreiber, now 6-7 in ATP World Tour finals, received €80,000 in prize money and earned 250 Emirates ATP Ranking points. It was his first trophy since 2014 Dusseldorf (d. Karlovic).

The 31-year-old Kohlschreiber is the 17th ATP World Tour titlist this year aged over 30 years. The World No. 39 has a 23-18 match record on the season.

In the first set, Mathieu broke Kohlschreiber in the sixth and eighth games, converting his third set point opportunity to wrap up the 31-minute opener. He lost six of his service points.

Kohlschreiber responded immediately, converting his third break point chance in the opening game of the second set. He broke again in a 10-point fifth game and lost just three of his service points in the 33-minute passage of play.

Kohlschreiber grew in confidence throughout the decider of their fifth FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting, breaking serve for a 3-2 lead and again in a 12-point seventh game. He went on to seal his fourth straight win over Mathieu.

The 33-year-old Mathieu had been appearing in his first final since 2009 Hamburg (l. to Davydenko). He won his last title at 2007 Gstaad (d. Seppi). The World No. 109 was also attempting to become the ninth winner in 2015 ranked outside the Top 50 in the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“It is always difficult to lose, especially in the final,” said Mathieu. “I ran out of gas for sure, but I gave my best and I am happy with my week. This week gave me confidence for others tournaments. I know I can reach a final again.”

Philipp Kohlschreiber (L) of Germany poses with the trophy during the award ceremony after winning against Paul-Henri Mathieu (R) of France in the final match for the Generali Open tennis tournament in Kitzbuehel, Austria, 08 August 2015. EPA/HELMUT FOHRINGER

Mathieu leaves with €42,100 and 150 Emirates ATP Ranking points. He is now 4-4 in ATP World Tour finals.

(Courtesy of the ATP and Original Link – http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/kitzbuhel-2015-saturday-final-kohlshcreiber-mathieu )

Topics: Atp World Tour, Generali Open, Kitzbühel, Paul Henri Mathieu, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Sports, Tennis News