Pouille beats Lopez to clinch Stuttgart title

BIG-SERVING world No 16 Lucas Pouille tuned up for Wimbledon by muscling past Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in just over two hours yesterday to win the Stuttgart Open.

The 23-year-old, seeded fourth, fired a total of 29 aces on his way to his second title of the year following his victory in Budapest in April. He also reached the final in Marseille earlier this year.

Lopez, 35, who last reached a final last August, was aiming for a sixth career title and third on grass when he broke early in the first set to race into the lead. Pouille claimed the second set on a tiebreak.

A double fault and two unforced errors from Lopez gave the Frenchman his first break points midway through the third set. He took his chance and then comfortably held serve.