Dubai: Roberto Bautista Agut became only the fourth Spaniard to win the singles title with a straight-forward 6-3, 6-4 upset win over heavily-favoured Lucas Pouille of France at the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open late on Saturday.
Alex Corretja was the first champion to debut for Spain at this tournament in 1998 and was joined three years later by former world No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2001.
Another world No.1 Rafael Nadal came as a 19-year-old and stopped seven-time Dubai champion in three sets in an epic final in 2006, after which the tournament witnessed a reign at the top between Novak Djokovic and Federer – both men winning the title four times each before Stan Wawrinka (2016) and Andy Murray (2017) put their names on the trophy.
Bautista Agut received the winner’s trophy and a cheque for $565,530 (Dhs 2.065 million) from Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, President, Tennis Emirates in the presence of Shaikh Ahmad Jaber Al Sabah, President of Asian Tennis Federation and Arab Tennis Federation, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President and Ceo of Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Director Salah Tahlak.
The Spaniard also received 500 ranking points that will see him make his way up at least as the new No. 15 when the new list is released on Monday.
The 24-year-old Pouille, who was also at the losing end in Marseille last week [against Karen Khachanov], pocketted a cheque of $277,255 along with 300 ranking points that will see him break into the top-10 for the first time in his young career.
But the Spaniard, who will turn 30 next month, it was a memorable performance that will remain in his memory forever. “I think I am back to playing my best tennis and this gives me a lot of confidence for the remainder of the year,” Bautista Agut told a near-full holiday crowd on centre court.
“This tournament is going to be very special for the rest of my life. I am so very happy to come and win against a tough field here,” he added.
In a battle between the second and third seeds, it was the lower ranked Bautista Agut coming up tops as he took the first set in 34 minutes. Pouille took control in the second when he broke in the fourth to go 3-1 up. But the Spaniard broke back immediately and held for 3-3. From then on, it was Bautista Agut all the way with a second break in the ninth before serving out set and match in an entertaining 81 minutes.
“Lucas is a great player and he has a great future ahead of him,” Bautista Agut complimented his younger opponent from France.
“I think this has been a great start to the season for me so far, and I hope I can keep my level of tennis and become a better tennis player,” Bautista Agut added.
“I can be happy with some great tennis that I played here this week,” Pouille said.
“I’ve been a semi-finalist here last year, a finalist this year. For sure I will be back for the trophy next year. I enjoy playing here,” the Dubai resident added.
RESULT
(Singles final) Roberto Bautista Agut bt Lucas Pouille 6-3, 6-4.