Gilles Muller has captured his first ATP World Tour title at the ATP 250 Apia International Sydney tournament.
The 33-year old Luxembourg national had been the highest-ranking ATP tour player not to have won a tour title; until Saturday, that is. During his 16 year career, he had played 260 matches and reached five finals (including two in 2016 at Newport and s-Hertogenbosch) before this week.
The key to Gilles' victory over Britain’s Daniel Evans (7-6, 6-2) was his exceptional serving and ability to stay calm in the windy conditions in Sydney. It was an emotional win and, making it even more special, he was awarded the trophy by tennis legend Rod Laver and able to share the moment with his two sons Lenny and Nils. “I wasn't expecting that. It was a great honour. Just unbelievable. Everything that happened tonight was like in a movie. Rod Laver there, standing on centre court with the trophy, my kids in the stands, can't ask for more,” Muller said.
Gilles will head into the Australian open this week with an expected career high ranking of 28 when the new rankings are announced on Monday. He will meet #91 ranked Taylor Fritz in the first round on Tuesday - the 19-year old American ended his 2016 season named as the ATP Star of Tomorrow.
Muller received 250 Emirates ATP Rankings Points and $77,980 for winning the title.
Photo by ATP World Tour
