A week after the retirement of Roger Federer, a fellow Swiss began picking up the slack, with Marc-Andrea Huesler winning his first career title on Sunday at the ATP Sofia event.
The 26-year-old late bloomer ranked 95, defeated cocky Danish teen Holger Rune 6-4, 7-6(8) in an hour and three-quarters.
Huesler is the first Swiss to win an ATP Tour title since Federer won at 2019 Basel.
His ranking will improve to 64th thanks to a breakthrough trophy performance as he overcame 11 aces from Rune, strictly an acquired taste for many with his forceful, aggressive attitude on court.
Huesler becomes the 12th first-time title winner of the season.
“I played a great, great match for sure,” the winner said. “I’m completely taken aback.
“I’m lost for words. it was a great match. I just tried to stay focused, stayed calm and I am just really happy I was able to make it.”
Huesler called the week “a complete fairy tale for me. I would have been happy to pass a couple of rounds and I’m holding the trophy.”
The Swiss from Zurich saved all four break points he faced in the final, while breaking Rune once.
He claimed victory on his second match point as the Dane found the net with a service return.
Main photo:- Marc-Andreas Huesler winning in Sofia by ATPTour.com
Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third straight title at the US Open as…
Carlos Alcaraz ended a four-and-a-half month injury exile with a resounding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat…
Williams has lost her last 15 matches as a wild card, with her last victory dating…
Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back…
Third seed Jessica Pegula got up and running on Sunday's opening day at the US…
Former finalist Casper Ruud made a last-minute pull out on Sunday as the US Open began,…