DELRAY BEACH, February 25, 2019
Radu Albot became the first Moldovan to ever win an ATP Tour-level tournament Sunday when the 29-year-old defeated qualifier Daniel Evans of Great Britain 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7) in the singles final at the Delray Beach Open by Vitacost.com.
“I think a lot of people were watching for sure,” Albot said. “My parents watched all my matches and they didn’t sleep for a week, so I hope they are very, very happy now.”
Albot won three points less than his opponent and saved three match points to prevail in the tie-break of the final set after two hours and 51 minutes.
Moldovan Magic 🇲🇩@RaduAlbot becomes the first player in history from Moldova to win an ATP-tour level title with a 3-6 6-3 7-6(7) victory over Dan Evans @DelrayBeachOpen pic.twitter.com/5zodYGSLxD
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 25. Februar 2019
“It was not in the plan, I have to say, losing the first set and then having to come back, but it worked out pretty good this week,” he said. Albot takes away $97,490 in prize money as well as 250 ATP Ranking points. The Chisinau native moves up 30 spots to World No. 52 on Monday.
Albot also played three matches in doubles, reaching the semifinals with playing partner Yoshihito Nishioka, so it was a very satisfying week for the right-hander who arrived here ranked No. 82 in the world in singles.
“I think it’s pretty difficult to explain in words how this feels. It feels great,” Albot said. “It’s a little bit tiring playing seven matches in a row, especially with the doubles yesterday, but I was ready mentally.”
Bryans win doubles title
Earlier on Sunday, Bob and Mike Bryan clinched the doubles title. The US-American siblings beat British brothers Ken and Neal Skupski from Great Britain 7-6(5), 6-4. The final lasted one hour and 22 minutes.
It has been the Bryans first team title since the return of Bob from hip replacement surgery he had last summer.
“We’re very, very pleased with how this one’s gone,” Bob Bryan said. “Expections, I think for me have been a little lower than they have in the past. We’ve just been trying to have fun and enjoy our time together and it’s actually resulted in some really good play. To win here now in my home tournament and to have my family here to take it in with me is extra special.”
