By Tennis Now | Sunday, September 24, 2017
Damir Dzumhur broke twice in the final set fending off Fabio Fognini, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, to collect his first title in St. Petersburg.
Photo credit: St. Petersburg Open/Formula_TX Facebook
Damir Dzumhur downsized his team, stepped up his sense of responsibility and broke through winning the first ATP championship of his career.
The 25-year-old Dzumhur broke twice in the final set fending off Fabio Fognini, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, collecting his first title in St. Petersburg.
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Playing his second career final a month after he was runner-up in Winston-Salem, Dzumhur lifted his level considerably in the final set.
The world No. 55 won 16 of 19 points played on his serve and did not face a break point in the decider.
Dzumhur, who parted company with his coach and has been travelling the tour with his girlfriend, said he plans to play without a coach through the end of the year.
Based on his results, you can’t blame him for going solo. Dzumhur has posted a 27-7 record at all pro levels since June 19th, including a 15-3 mark on the ATP Tour since July 31st.
Dzumhur broke for a 5-4 second-set lead then served out the set to force a decider.
Dzumhur foiled Fognini’s bid for his first career hard-court title, five years after the Italian lost the St. Petersburg final to Martin Klizan.