DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS—DUBAI, U.A.E.
Top seed Andy Murray claimed his first ever Dubai Open title on Saturday, defeating Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-2. In a match that was dominated by Murray from start to finish, the Scot broke serve on five occasions and won an impressive 80 percent of his first serve points. Improving to 13-1 against Verdasco in lifetime meetings, Murray also notched his 45th career title and 12th win of the season.
Verdasco, who was looking to win his eighth career title, fell to 8-5 on the year but picked up 300 ATP World Tour points for his efforts. Currently ranked No. 35 in the world, Verdasco will likely hit No. 27 on the computer when Monday’s rankings are released.
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ABIERTO MEXICANO TELCEL—ACAPULCO, MEXICO
American Sam Querrey capped off a memorable week in Acapulco, Mexico on Saturday, defeating No. 2 seed Rafa Nadal 6-3, 7-6(3).
Querrey began the contest in confident form hitting his groundstrokes with depth and vigour. Slamming 19 aces and cracking his forehand down-the-line, Querrey won his first-ever match against Nadal in five appearances. Claiming his ninth career title, Querrey defeated Kyle Edmund, David Goffin, Dominic Thiem and Nick Kyrgios en-route to the finals, before taking out the 14-time Major winner. With the victory, Querrey will move from No. 40 in the world to No. 26 on Monday.
Nadal, who was in search of his 70th career title and first since Barcelona last year, will now change his focus to defending his semifinal points at the BNP Paribas Open next week in Indian Wells, California.
