Basic and Baena clinch ATP titles

Sofia: Bosnian world number 129 Mirza Basic, who came through qualifying and stunned three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals, clinched his first career title at the Sofia Open on Sunday. The 26-year-old journeyman defeated Romania’s 93rd-ranked Marius Copil 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, becoming just the second Bosnian to win an ATP title after Damir Dzumhur who was a champion on two occasions in 2017. As well as taking home almost 90,000 euros in prize money, Basic will reach a projected career-high 76 in the rankings next week. Meanwhile in Quito, unheralded Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain captured his maiden ATP title, winning the season’s opening claycourt event by seeing off compatriot Albert Ramos Vinolas, the second seed, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Carballes, the 24-year-old world number 107, is expected to rise by around 30 places in the rankings as a result of his victory.