Grand Prix Hassan II—Marrakech, Morocco
Talented Frenchman Benoit Paire won the second title of his career on Sunday in Marrakech, Morocco, defeating Pablo Andujar 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and six minutes.
Using his potent backhand and great touch throughout the encounter, Paire hit eight aces, won 89 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on three occasions. Currently ranked No. 69 in the world, Paire improved to 9-9 on the year with the win.
Andjuar, who was in search of his fifth career title, is currently ranked No. 70 in the world. The Spaniard defeated Gilles Simon and Philipp Kohlschreiber en route to the finals.
*****
Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship—Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Up and coming Chilean Christian Garin captured his maiden ATP Tour title on Sunday in Houston, Texas, dismissing Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3. In a match between to players under the age of 22, it was Garin who struck first by taking a challenging first set. With the momentum of his side, the Santiago native continued to press in the early stage of set two before prevailing in three sets in two hours and 29 minutes.
Holding a 7-5 win/loss record on the season before the start of the week, Garin will likely see his ranking hit around No. 47 in the world on Monday.
Ruud, who has been touted as a future top 20 player, defeated Reilly Opelka and Marcel Granollers earlier in the week before losing in the finals.
