After 1:48 hours the tension was released. Chris Rodesch let out his joy with a loud shout of joy. The Luxembourger impressively confirmed his current strong form with his final win against Estonian Daniil Glinka (ATP 200).
In the final, Rodesch (ATP 209) clearly prevailed, especially in the first set. This despite the 24-year-old being broken in the opening game and falling behind 0-1. But Rodesch countered immediately and took the next serve from Glinka. With a safe service and another break he moved ahead to 3-1. He then confidently served out the first set to make it 6:3.
In the second section, both players fought on equal terms and gave each other nothing. Nobody was able to break away until the score was 5:5. “My opponent played very well and solidly,” analyzed Rodesch. “It was important to stay mentally in it and believe in myself. In the second set I didn’t manage to break so quickly. I got through my serve games easily and also had break chances, but didn’t convert them. But I continued to believe in myself. At 5:5 I finally managed the break.”
Shortly afterwards he served for the title and converted his first match point after 1:48 hours. “It was a hard and physical game, I am very happy that I won both tournaments,” said the 24-year-old.
Last Sunday he had already won a Challenger tournament at the same location in Oeiras and prevailed in the final against the Hungarian Zsombor Piros 6:4, 4:6, 6:2. He won the number two and three Challenger titles of his career within a week in Portugal.
In den Top 140
The success will also be noticeable in the world rankings. While the first tournament victory in Portugal earned 100 ATP points, the second one added another 75. In the world rankings, which will be updated on Monday after the Australian Open, Rodesch will move into the top 140 for the first time and reach a new career high.
The two tournaments in Portugal also served as preparation for the Davis Cup. Next weekend Rodesch and the FLT team will face Ukraine in the Coque. “I’m looking forward to the Davis Cup and hope that I can bring what I’ve shown to the pitch there too.”
