ROSMALEN, June 13, 2016
The final of the €635,645 Ricoh Open concluded on Monday morning with Nicolas Mahut becoming the first ATP grass court champion in 2016. The Frenchman denied Gilles Muller‘s first career title, winning 6-4, 6-4.
The match was suspended on Sunday afternoon with the Frenchman leading 6-4 after 40 minutes due to heavy rain. Mahut, who entered the draw with a wild card, withstood nine aces, hitting seven of his own to prevail in one hour and 16 minutes.
A message from @nmahut for the fans! 🏆👏🏼#RicohOpen pic.twitter.com/PfsJfgS6FM
— Ricoh Open (@RicohOpen) 13. Juni 2016
The title gives Mahut four tour-level titles for his career. The 34-year-old has also captured his 18th win in 20 matches on the Autotron Rosmalen lawns.
“Playing a final is always special, but this was different,” said Mahut., who clinched the titles here in 2013 and 2015. “Getting the trophy is the most important thing. Winning the tournament as the World No. 1 in doubles is really special. I started the match really well and tried to relax. I know winning a title doesn’t happen every week.”
Due to the rain, his schedule changed a bit.
“Yesterday, I had to change my flights. I will now go to the airport for the earliest flight to London. I have to be ready to play Andy Murray tomorrow at Queen’s.”
On Saturday, Mate Pavic and Michael Venus overcame Dominic Inglot and Raven Klaasen 3-6, 6-3, 11-9 in one hour and 17 minutes.
Also on Saturday, Coco Vanderweghe dismissed Kristina Mladenovic 7-5, 7-5 in one hour and 29 minutes to win the women’s competition.
Winner @CoCoVandey has something to say to you! 😊🎾🌱 #RicohOpen pic.twitter.com/8a96cVH651
— Ricoh Open (@RicohOpen) 12. Juni 2016