Dubai: Xavier Masson outclassed Michel Katrib 6-0, 6-1 to win the men’s open crown at the inaugural Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa Men’s Open Tennis that concluded earlier this week.
Masson started off well giving his younger opponent little time to settle in. Three breaks down the line and he had taken the opening set 6-0 in less than 25 minutes. “The second set was tougher as Michel [Katrib] started using his bigger reach to dominate on some of the points,” Masson told Gulf News later.
But the 28-year-old Frenchman, who used to play on the ATP World Tour till a couple of years back, managed to use his superior experience and eventually win set and match. “I think my experience played a huge role in the final,” Masson noted.
“At times he [Katrib] showed signs of a fightback, but I kept him constantly under pressure that led to some unforced errors and eventually the trophy was with me,” added the boy from Normandy, France.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Masson and Katrib had secured contrasting wins to make it to the final. Masson battled over three sets for a 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 win over Dries Depla, while Katrib had defeated Gregory Howe 6-1, 6-0.
Organised by Tournament Referee Laith Al Ani with sponsorship from Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, the men’s open tournament was held in an attempt to offer opportunities for expatriate and UAE tennis players to improve their game.
Former Tunisian Davis Cup player turned coach Essam Al Jalali was the chief guest and presented the trophies to the finalists.
