RESULTS
Singles – Final
[WC] G. Monfils (FRA) d A. Rublev (RUS) 62 63
Doubles – Final
[2] O. Marach (AUT) / M. Pavic (CRO) d [1] J. Murray (GBR) / B. Soares (BRA) 62 76(6)
MONFILS CAPS COMEBACK WITH DOHA SINGLES CROWN • MARACH/PAVIC WIN THE DOUBLES TITLE
– Gael Monfils rode a dominant serving display and dogged defence to claim his seventh ATP World Tour title in Doha.
– Appearing in his fourth final in Doha, Monfils broke through for his first tournament title. Runner-up in 2006 (l. t Federer), 2012 (l. to Tsonga) and 2014 (l. to Nadal), it was fourth time lucky for the Frenchman.
– Monfils, who concluded his 2017 season after the US Open with a right knee injury, found his top form to join Gilles Simon (Pune) as French winners in Week One.
– Despite the loss, Andrey Rublev is projected to rise to a career-high No. 32 in the ATP Rankings. He was appearing in his second ATP World Tour final, having won his maiden title in Umag last year.
– Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic won their second team title with victory over top seeds Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares.
– Individually, it was Marach’s 18th tour-level crown and No. 9 for Pavic.
WHAT THE PLAYERS HAD TO SAY •
Monfils •
“I’m very happy. I like this tournament so much. I always come back and I finally got it. So I’m just very happy and very proud. It’s been a while. I was waiting for that moment to get back in shape. In 2016, I was almost on my top and I had a very good year, finishing at No. 6. I couldn’t really defend my chances in 2017. I had a long rest and came back strong in 2018, which was a goal. I wouldn’t say I was expecting to win the first tournament, but I’m more than happy that I did.”
Rublev •
“Of course it was great week for me. It’s a great start for me. I didn’t expect that I’m going to be in the finals, which is great. I’m of course I’m happy to be in the final. I’m happy with my result this week. And I hope and I wish I can be more consistent. I hope it’s not going to be only one week like this.”
Marach •
“We played the whole week really great tennis. Especially for me it was very important. I didn’t know how I would play because I had not a great winter, I was injured. Then I came here just three or four practices and if you look at that, that we’re now the winners here, it’s amazing.”
Pavic •
“It’s one of my favourite tournaments at the beginning of the year and we had a great week. From the beginning on we were playing just better and better and today was a great match.”
Topics: 10sballs, Andrey Rublev, Atp, Doha, Gael Monfils, Qatar open, Tennis