Ivanisevic Takes AEGON Masters Tennis Title At Last

Added on: December 5, 2010

Goran Ivanisevic has won his first ever AEGON Masters Tennis title at the Royal Albert Hall after sinking former Wimbledon finalist Todd Martin 6-2, 6-4 in Sunday’s final.

Ivanisevic, who had lost his serve just once going in to Sunday’s final, again overwhelmed his opponent with serves of more than 130mph. The 2001 Wimbledon Champion thoroughly dominated the first set, hitting his serves as hard and accurately as ever and returning in much the same way. Martin was able to mount a challenge early in the second set, but the Croatian was determined to hold his nerve. With Martin serving to stay in the match at 4-5, Ivanisevic seized his chance, scorching a couple of backhand returns down the line to win the match and the title.

“I’m just so happy I finally won this tournament,” said Ivanisevic, after lifting the trophy. “The first set today was probably the best set I played this week. The rhythm on my serve was great, I returned well from the back and I also felt good physically. I was surprised how well I was moving today because after yesterday’s match against Pat everything hurt. That was a great match against Pat and I’ve really enjoyed my whole week.”

The final victory over Martin completed a perfect day for Ivanisevic as his beloved British football team West Bromwich Albion were also 3-1 winners over Newcastle at the Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon.

“My day can’t get any better!” shouted Goran to the crowd, mid-way through the second set after discovering that West Brom had taken a 1-0 lead.

The AEGON Masters Tennis title is Goran’s third of the year, meaning that 2010 has been his most successful year to-date on the ATP Champions Tour. The 2001 Wimbledon Champion explained what it is that keeps him motivated to play on the Tour, six years on from his debut in Eindhoven in 2004.

“I enjoy playing on this Tour a lot,” he said. “It keeps me in shape, I get to play good tennis still, the people enjoy it and it’s still competitive and fun. I love it.”

Back to News