Sunday 20 July 2014 20:32, UK
Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer claimed the first ATP title of his career as he shocked top seed David Ferrer to win the bet-at-home Open final in Hamburg.
Mayer, 27, came from a set down to beat Ferrer, eventually edging a thrilling contest 6-7 (3/7) 6-1 7-6 (7/4) in two hours and 20 minutes.
The first set saw two breaks apiece, Ferrer twice pegging his opponent back after falling behind and it was the Spaniard who then claimed the tie-break.
But Mayer maintained his level and two unanswered breaks in a one-sided second set ensured he was soon back on terms.
The Argentine served for the match at 5-4 in the decider but could not get over the line with Ferrer breaking back and the contest was subsequently decided in another tie-break.
Mayer was not to be denied though and held his nerve to seal his maiden Tour triumph, stating afterwards: "I can't believe it!
"I was able to do it against Ferrer, who is one of the best players on this surface. I'm really happy and it still hasn't sunk in that I won.
"At the start of the match, I was a little tense. But I relaxed and started to play better. He also made some mistakes that got me back into the match. I tried to enjoy it and that's why I won, I think.
"I wasn’t the top favourite, but I gave it all my strength, power and energy because I absolutely wanted to win."
A gracious Ferrer added: "He was better in the match. I think I was little bit nervous in the important moments and he played more aggressive than me and nothing else."
