By Erik Gudris | Sunday, May 4, 2014

 

Qualifier Martin Klizan battled his body and top seed Fabio Fognini to win his first title this season in Munich.

Photo Credit: Getty

 

Martin Klizan of Slovakia came all the way from qualifying to win his second career ATP title at the BMW Open by FWU AG in Munich, Germany.

Yet Sunday's final that featured top seed Fabio Fognini of Italy against the World No. 111 Klizan proved to be at times an odd, drama filled contest.

Klizan, who upset defending champion Tommy Haas in the semifinals, looked unwell right from the start. Fognini broke Klizan to open the match and soon took hold of a 4-1 lead.

With Klizan complaining about stomach problems, it seemed the final might end with a retirement after Fognini took the set 6-2.

After getting treatment, Klizan struck back with big hitting in the second set. Leaping out to an early lead, Klizan used a combination of powerful serves and well-timed forehands to clinch the set 6-1.

A rattled looking Fognini appeared unsure of how to handle Klizan who often would slump over between points in discomfort. Having received a warning for bad language earlier from the umpire, Fognini's troubles continued in the final set. Already down an early break, Fognini lost a rally in the next game. Angry, Fognini broke his racquet in disgust.

That earned the Italian a point penalty for racquet abuse that gave Klizan the game for 2-0. Klizan could only find enough energy to slump himself in a linesman's chair. Striking the ball as hard as he could, Klizan surged to a 4-0 advantage.

Klizan fought off two break points against him later with huge serves before holding for 5-1. Though Fognini would force Klizan to serve for the title at 5-2, it would be no challenge.

Klizan soon held match point and with a crosscourt backhand winner sealed the 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory.

Munich is now the second career title for Klizan. He beat Fognini back in 2012 to claim his first ever ATP title in St. Petersburg.

Not only is Klizan the first qualifier to win Munich, he's also the first qualifier to win an ATP title since Nicolas Mahut won in 's-Hertogenbosch last year.