(April 14th, 2013) --
Tommy Robredo completed a stellar week of tennis by winning the the Grand Prix Hassan II event in Casablanca.
The veteran Spaniard, who once reached as high as No. 5 in the world, took on big serving No. 2 seed
Kevin Anderson in a first time meeting with both men seeking to win their first title of the year. The match was a contrast of styles with Anderson relying on his big serve to set up easy winners while Robredo used his experience and crafty court sense to win the rallies.
Robredo, having upset top seed
Stanislas Wawrinka in the semis, was hoping to build on his momentum. Anderson meanwhile was seeking his first ever clay court title.
Anderson broke Robredo right away to start the match and soon held a 4-2 lead. But after giving away the break mid-way through the set, Anderson found himself in a tiebreak with Robredo.
Despite holding a lead, Anderson couldn't hang on to his advantage as it was Robredo who took the tiebreak eight points to six thanks to a misfired backhand from Anderson.
Robredo gave Anderson an early break lead in the second set and this time the South African didn't let go of his advantage despite facing break points at 3-2.
With a whipping forehand winner, Anderson closed out the set 6-4.
Both men stayed closed with each other in the final set until Robredo earned a crucial break to go up 4-2. Robredo saved all four break points against him, including in the final game when he served for the match, as he clinched the 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-3 win.
This marks the first title for the veteran Robredo in two years since winning Santiago in 2011. Robredo, who was sidelined with injury for several months last year, was jubilant with his return to form just in time for the clay court season.
“I'm very happy to win a title again after my injury. It's just great! Those points will help me a lot in the ranking. The goal is to arrive in Roland Garros in the best form possible," Robredo told ATP.com. "After that I will sit down and have a look at my goals."
Casablanca is Robredo's 11th career ATP title and tenth won on clay overall.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images) |