Roberto Bautista Agut captured his second title of the season on Saturday, beating first-time finalist Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzogovina 6-4, 6-4 to win the Winston-Salem Open crown.
The Spaniard fell in the Winston-Salem final last year to compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, but he came through on the big stage on Saturday to match his career-best season in titles won.
"I'm so happy; It's been a great week. I didn't drop a set and I played very good tennis,” the Spaniard said. "It was a tough final. He's playing very smart, he changes the rhythm and plays very tricky. I was very focused and very solid.
"After he broke back in both sets I needed to manage the nerves, stay calm and be focused. I was a bit nervous after losing my serve but I managed it well.”
Bautista Agut, who won the Aircel Chennai Open in January (d. Medvedev), also hoisted two trophies last year and in 2014. He has now won six career crowns.
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The Spaniard raced to early leads in both sets before Dzumhur climbed back. Bautista Agut led 4-1 in the first and 3-1 in the second before the scrappy Dzumhur rallied. But Bautista Agut, who didn't drop a set all tournament, was too solid for Dzumhur. The Spaniard clinched the title when the Bosnian lifted a forehand long on Bautista Agut's first match point. Bautista Agut will receive 250 Emirates ATP Rankings points and $89,280 in prize money.
"I wanted to make the final and get the title, so it's been a fantastic week for me. It's been a great year for me," Bautista Agut said.
"I feel good playing here on this court. It's a great tournament and great preparation for the US Open. I have to enjoy the title but then get focused for my first match Tuesday.”
Dzumhur was the first player from Bosnia-Herzogovina to reach an ATP World Tour final. Saturday's final was his 11th match in the past 12 days. He played in the final of the ATP Challenger Tour event in Santo Domingo last weekend (l. to Estrella Burgos).
Dzumhur will receive 150 Emirates ATP Rankings points and $50,830 in prize money.
“Best week for me so far. I really enjoyed playing in Winston-Salem. It was an unexpected good week for me and definitely one that I will always remember,” Dzumhur said.
“I fell behind 0-3 in both sets and it’s not easy to win sets from there, especially against a player like Roberto, who didn’t drop a set all week... He played the big points so well, especially at 4-all in both sets. I made some good points but he hit some great passing shots. I just didn’t have a lot of chances in those two games.
“He was a little better today. My legs were giving up in a few points, but I was trying to fight till the end.”