Mathieu is our Men's Champion for 2010
Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu is the 2010 Men’s Champion at the Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International Tennis Tournament.
The former world number 12 beat Chilean Nicolas Massu 6-3, 6-2, in another impressive display on Centre Court.
Both men qualified for today’s final having remained undefeated in singles matches throughout the tournament. However it was Mathieu who was the favourite, with Massu playing on grass for the first time in three years this week.
The first set was an even contest early on, as both players held serve with a powerful display from the baseline. But it was the class of Mathieu that shone through, breaking in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead and serve out for the first set.
The Frenchman’s variety and movement on the grass was the undoing of Massu, as the Chilean struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar surface.
Mathieu continue to dominate on serve, winning cheap points and preventing his opponent from developing any rhythm in the rallies. He threatened to break in the third game of the second set, but Massu held on, determined to maintain an unbeaten head-to-head record against the Frenchman.
The 28-year-old wasn’t to be denied though, as he continued to press and broke Massu twice more to serve for the match at 5-2. A hold to love was to come, as Mathieu won 6-3, 6-2, to become the Men’s Champion for 2010.
“I think we had a great match today, I think we played some good points so I’m really happy.” said Mathieu.
“The event is great. I didn’t see much of the city as it’s my first time in Liverpool, but maybe I’ll come back to see the nightlife for a few days!”
Meanwhile Massu admitted that he struggled to adapt to the grass: “Mathieu played really well, I think the last time I played on a grass court was in 2007, I like it but I need to practice more to know how to play here.”
“I want to say thank you, it’s my first time here, this exhibition had a lot of people here, the crowd today was full, we had a good time and hopefully I can come back. I like to play in England so see you soon!”
Source
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Tennis
