Berdych wins in Montpellier
Number one seed dethrones defending champion Monfils
Last Updated: February 5, 2012 6:26pm
Tomas Berdych: Outlasted Gael Monfils to take Montpellier crown
Top seed Tomas Berdych secured the seventh ATP Tour title of his career after defeating Gael Monfils in the final of the Open Sud de France.
Berdych took just over two hours to overcome the French third seed and home favourite 6-2 4-6 6-3 in Montpellier.
The Czech was a comfortable winner of the first set before Monfils battled back to take the contest into a decider.
Berdych then claimed the decisive break in the eighth game of the third set when Monfils double-faulted to throw his serve away.
The 26-year-old former Wimbledon finalist then stayed solid on his own serve to see out the match and win his first indoor title since the BNP Paribas Masters in 2005.
"Both Gael and I had a very good match. It was my first time here and I'll come back to defend my title next year," Berdych said.
Monfils added: "I was unsure yesterday evening (whether to compete) because my knee had swollen. I waited until after warming up this morning to decide.
"The final came down to very little in the end. Tomas took advantage of his chances, he was stronger and more opportunistic than me but overall I'm satisfied with the week."
