KAARST, February 4, 2018

Igor Sijsling has clinched his first title in three years, winning the 2018 Kirschbaum International powered by Neusser REHA, a $15,000 ITF Pro Circuit event held at Tespo Sportpark in Kaarst. The 30-year-old from the Netherlands, who struggled with injuries in recent years, defeated promising German talent Marvin Möller in Sunday’s singles final 6-2, 7-6.

Sijsling dominated the encounter, putting a lot of variety in his shots. In particular, Sijsling’s backhand slice was very efficient, finishing a lot of points with a forehand cross-court winner. He sent down six aces and broke his opponent’s serve five times to prevail after two hours and 20 minutes.

Igor Sijsling during his on court interview with tournament director Marc Raffel (photo: Stephan Frings/mediaten.de)

“Marvin is a very good player. He may have a bright future,” Sijsling told after the final.

“I am very pleased with my performance after my knee injury. I hope that I will be able to continue like this. My knee keeps feeling better.”

By lifting his first trophy since the ATP Challenger in Brescia 2015, the Amsterdam native takes away $2,160 in prize money as well as 18 ATP ranking points, moving up five spots to World No. 517. It was Sijsling’s second triumph on German soil following two ATP Challenger victories in Wolfsburg and Eckental.

Möller wanted to clinch his second title on the ITF Pro Circuit. The 19-year-old dropped only one set en-route to the final. “It was difficult for me to find into the match today,” Möller told afterwards. “Igor was the best player throughout this week.”