Berlin (AFP) – Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber won Munich’s ATP tournament for the third time after downing Austria’s Dominic Thiem in Sunday’s final and was promptly presented with a pair of Bavarian lederhosen as part of his prize.
Having won the 2007 and 2012 titles, Kohlschreiber, who hails from the neighbouring Bavarian city of Augsburg, ran out the 7-6 (9/7), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) winner after a huge tussle in the final which lasted just under two and a half hours.
“This is a great tournament and has been something of a lucky charm for me,” said Kohlschreiber, who collected 82,450 euros in prize money, a new sports car — and a luxury pair of leather lederhosen, the traditional Bavarian dress.
“Dominic made life very difficult for me today. My time here is coming to an end and he will win the tournament sometime.”
Having lost the first set on a tie-breaker, the 22-year-old Thiem rallied to take the second, breaking Kohlschreiber to go 4-3 up as the set then followed serve.
Kohlschreiber, 32, was not to be denied and squandered two match points at 5-4 up in the third before Thiem broke back to take the game to a second tie-breaker.
Having lost to Britain’s Andy Murray in last year’s Munich final, this is Kohlschreiber’s seventh career ATP title.
Thiem, ranked 15th in the world, has a bright future and has already picked up 26 wins and two titles this season.
Kohlschreiber, ranked 27th in the world, steam-rolled his way to his fifth Munich final after seeing off compatriot Florian Mayer, Juan Martin del Potro and Fabio Fognini en route.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.