The Malta Independent on Sunday
Paolo Lorenzi becomes oldest 1st-time ATP winner
Tennis
Paolo Lorenzi of Italy became the oldest first-time winner of an ATP event yesterday after beating Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 6-3, 6-4 in the Generali Open final.
At 34 years and seven months, Lorenzi is one month older than Victor Estrella Burgos of the Dominican Republic when he won his maiden title in Quito, Ecuador, last year.
"This is a present for me. I think it was a fantastic week," said the fourth-seeded Italian, who is ranked a career-high 48th. "Today I was playing really good. I am really happy with this win."
Lorenzi appeared in his second career final after losing to Federico Delbonis of Argentina at Sao Paolo two years ago. He is the first Italian to win an ATP title since Fabio Fognini triumphed in Vina del Mar, Chile, in February 2014.
The 123rd-ranked Basilashvili, who had not been beyond the quarterfinals before, was the first Georgian player to appear in an ATP final.
"I think it was a great week for both of us. He's a lot younger so he will have a lot of time for winning," Lorenzi said of his 24- year-old opponent.
Lorenzi was in control of the first set after breaking Basilashvili in the opening game. He conceded just six points on his own serve and added another break at 5-3 to close out the set.
Both players had two early breaks in the second set before the Italian converted his first match point on the Georgian's serve at 5-4.
"Congratulations to Paolo for playing great," Basilashvili said. "I gave my 100 percent but I guess that was not enough. I am very happy that I was in the final."