Photograph: Getty Images
Libema Open
World No. 205, Tim Van Rijthoven stunned the tennis world, defeating Danil Medvedev 6-4, 6-1 in the final of the Libema Open.
In one of the stories of the season, Van Rijthoven, who was playing in just in his second tour-level main draw, defied all the odds to defeat the soon to be world No.1.
Van Rijthoven became the lowest-ranked player to win a title in 2022.
The Dutchman’s giant-killing run included wins over Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Alliasime.
Van Rijthoven did not look like a man playing in his first ATP tour-level final as he outplayed Medvedev from the opening games when he raced to a 2-0 lead in the first set. He was able to hold his nerve and serve out the set to claim a remarkable victory.
“This is new for me, it’s going to take some time getting used to,” Van Rijthoven said.
“What a dream this week. I would like to thank my team for staying humble this week, doing the normal things, not making this thing any bigger than it was.”
In his on court-interview, Medvedev was full of praise for his Dutch opponent.
“An amazing match today. Keep it going. I remember you from juniors, you have the talent so now you need to make more matches like this and more tournaments like this! Congrats to you and your team.”
Medvedev will now turn his attention to the Halle Open before taking a break due to Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s Championship.
Stuttgart Open
Matteo Berrettini made a triumphant o the ATP Tour, defeating Andy Murray 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 in the Boss Open final in Stuttgart.
The Italian had not played a tournament since March after undergoing an operation on his right hand.
In a seesawing final, Berrettini’s forehand proved their difference, with Murray unable to counter the power of his Italian Opponent.
Berrettini was ecstatic to win a title in his comeback tournament.
"It feels unbelievable. Winning the title was the last thing that I imagined when I came here," Berrettini said.
"Coming back from an injury like that, from the first surgery in my life and then winning the tournament not even playing my best tennis in the first round, so it feels even more special."
Murray, who was contesting his first tour-level grass-court final since 2016, will be able to take a lot of confidence heading into his home Grand Slam.
"Sorry I couldn't get over the line today, but there's been a lot of progress the last few weeks...hopefully my body can hold up a little while longer so I can keep playing matches like this," Murray said.
Berrettini will now look to defend his Cinch Title at Queens before returning to Wimbledon where he made his first and only Grand Slam Final in 2021.