Saturday 23 May 2015 20:02, UK
Dominic Thiem has claimed the first ever ATP Tour title of his career after beating Leonardo Mayer in the final of the Nice Open.
The duo fought out a really tight encounter but Thiem eventually defeated the fourth seed 6-7 (8-10) 7-5 7-6 (7-2) in a match which took almost three hours to complete.
Thiem, 21, had defeated the second seed John Isner in the semi-finals to earn a place in his second Tour final, having been beaten by David Goffin in Kitzbuhel last year.
He went one better this time, hitting seven aces and saving all six break points he faced, as he fought back after losing the first set.
"The first title, I will remember it forever, so I will also remember forever Nice," he said.
"The match was a really, really good level. Leonardo played outstanding and I was fighting until the end. I think it was one of the best matches I've ever played."
The victory gave Thiem a very nice boost ahead of the French Open, which gets underway in Paris on Sunday.
The Austrian will play British No 2 Aljaz Bedene in the first round at Roland Garros.
