Bautista Agut lifts second title as Gavrilova claims maiden crown

MIAMI: Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut warmed up for the US Open by claiming his second ATP title of the season at the Winston-Salem Open.

The top seed – and runner-up to compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta in the tournament last year – defeated first-time ATP finalist Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia 6-4, 6-4.

The triumph comes after his January victory at Chennai, and his two titles in 2017 match his career best for a season. He also won two tournaments in 2014.

Bautista Agut’s ninth career crown was a confidence-builder, with the US Open set to start today at Flushing Meadows.

“I had a great week. I hope to continue this momentum in New York.,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Dzumhur – who was playing in a lower-level Challenger final in the Dominican Republic last week – was pleased with his week.

“Best week for me so far,” he said.

“It was an unexpected good week for me and definitely one that I will always remember.”

■ NEW YORK: Australia’s Daria Gavrilova (pic) claimed her first WTA title on Saturday, rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Dominika Cibulkova in the Connecticut Open.

The 23-year-old, who ousted top seed and defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals, followed up with a hardfought triumph over second-seeded Cibulkova that saw them duel for

two hours and 45 minutes on the hard courts of Connecticut.

For Gavrilova, ranked 26th in the world, it was a perfect curtain-raiser to the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year that starts today in Flushing Meadows.

She denied Slovakia’s Cibulkova, ranked 11th in the world, a ninth career WTA title.

When she drilled a forehand winner to seal the victory, Gavrilova leapt into the air and tossed her racquet in celebration.

Gavrilova will have a couple of days to savour the triumph before launching her US Open campaign against US qualifier Allie Kiick.

Gavrilova could face fourthseeded Elina Svitolina in the third round. — AFP