LOS CABOS, August 14, 2016
Ivo Karlovic claimed the title of the inaugural edition of the Abierto Mexicano Los Cabos with a total financial commitment of US$808,955, ranking as the highest in its category in the Americas Region. The 37-year-old Croat notched his eighth career title, his second of the season with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over top-seed Feliciano López on Saturday.
With a combined age of more than 72 years, it was the oldest final on the ATP World Tour since Hong Kong 1977, between Ken Rosewall and Tom Gorman (74 years). Karlovic fired 21 aces, winning 76% of his first service points. He saved the only break point he faced, converting two of his own to finish the encounter in one hour and 22 minutes.
“It was a difficult match in the beginning,” said Karlovic. “He was playing really well. I was a little lucky at the end of the first set, but that gave me confidence for the rest of the match. I realised what he was doing and took my opportunities.
“Everyone here is really nice to me. The venue is unbelievable. I hope to come back next year.”
Karlovic has become the first 37-year-old to lift an ATP World Tour singles trophy in 27 years, with his title on the grass of Newport last month.
López, who saw his eight-match winning streak snapped, was bidding for a sixth ATP World Tour title in his 15th final.
“I thought I could have won, but I committed a few unforced errors in the tie-break and two big double faults in the second set and was broken twice,” the Spaniard said following the match. “It was
complicated because he does not give you many chances on his serve.
“It’s difficult to take positives today, but I believe that these recent weeks have been great for me. It’s another final and I have great memories from Cincinnati and New York, so I hope to play well.”
Indian Tandem Claim Doubles Title
Purav Raja and Divij Sharan notched their second team ATP World Tour title and first since 2013 Bogota, winning the doubles final 7-6, 7-6 over Jonathan Erlich and Ken Skupski. The encounter lasted one hour and 42 minutes.
“We did well to hold our nerves and come out strong when it mattered. It’s our strategy against theirs and who executes it better. Doubles has become so competitive these days. We deserve this after the work we’ve put in,” Raja told.
“This is our second ATP title and we absolutely love Los Cabos. We had a great week. The crowd was amazing, playing in front of so many people that came out to watch us. It was a very tight match and I’m glad we pulled it through,” Sharan added.
