Pouille: Mercedes Cup champion
Pouille: Mercedes Cup champion

ATP World Tour review: Title joy for Lucas Pouille & Gilles Muller


France's Lucas Pouille came from behind to claim his second title of the year with victory over Feliciano Lopez in the Mercedes Cup final in Stuttgart.

The world number 16 hit 29 aces on his way to a 4-6 7-6 6-4 victory, which also marked his third tournament success since last September.

The match was tight throughout but wildcard Pouille closed out in style with an ace.

The 23-year-old said: "It was a very tough match. The second-set tie-break was very important and the key to winning.

"I took my opportunities a little bit more than him, so that made the difference."

A quarter-finalist at Wimbledon last year, Pouille was also confident about what lies ahead.

"Obviously if you win the first tournament of the grass season, you’re very confident.  Every tournament is different, so I’ll need to focus again and get ready for my first match in Halle." 

Lopez took the only break in the first set but Pouille saved four more break points in the second and went on to edge the tie-break 7-5.

Pouille then took advantage of a break point at 2-2 in the third set and managed to hold onto his lead.

In the doubles final, there was joy for Briton Jamie Murray as he and partner Bruno Soares claimed the title.

The duo claimed a narrow 6-7 (4/7) 7-5 10-5 win over Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic.

Fourth seed Gilles Muller won the Ricoh Open in 's-Hertogenbosch with a hard-fought 7-6 7-6 win over fellow veteran Ivo Karlovic.

Neither player was able to force a break of serve in the match but 34-year-old Muller had the edge over his 38-year-old opponent in both tie-breaks. He clinched victory by winning four successive points.

Muller said: "I think we should make a suggestion to the ATP that we just start with the tie-break next time! It's always tough to play Ivo and I'm glad I could beat him."

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